In the Laws of Kings Rambam not only explains the coming of Moshiach and belief in him, but also the purpose of his coming (which is part of this Mitzvah of belief)
From a halachic viewpoint at that time the observance of Torah’s laws will return as in former times; and this explains the concept that Moshiach is a culmination of the process that King Dovid began, which is alluded to in the parable of Bilaam
Four distinct qualities of Moshiach (final perfection of Dovid)
- Bilaam’s parable (24:17-18) according to Rambam
- King Dovid King Moshiach Reign of Moshiach
- “I see him, but not now” - Close in time, starts the process
- “I perceive him, but he is not near” - Greater of the two; takes more time for our efforts to achieve higher level
- Reveal the King’s higher quality
- “A star will shoot forth from Ya’akov” - Aloof star, weaker influence
- “And a staff will arise from Yisrael” - Direct, powerful leadership reflecting the higher level of the Jews
- Influences on the Jewish people
- “He will crush the princes of Moav” - Crush only the leaders
- “He will devastate all descendants of Sheis” - Devastate and undermine all other government forms
- Eliminating the power of those nations that interfere with Torah observance
- “Edom will be possessed” - Edom only becomes a servant
- “Se’ir, his enemy will be possessed” - Se’ir inspired to serve HaShem
- Guide the nations of the world to serve HaShem
Sometimes one must act and not enter into arguments
The Previous Rebbe acted with Mesiras Nefesh when required. Zimri challenged how Bas Yisro (who was a convert) could be mutar to Moshe (who had a status of a Cohen); Moshe himself could not answer since he was involved in the matter; Pinchas did not debate, but acted with mesiras nefesh
Even though one must use nature, one must realize it does not hold any important value, and only then can one be redeemed personally from such limits
The Haftorah stresses not to negate nature but to work with nature to elevate it; thereby, nature would become totally joined with G-dliness and that would become totally apparent that all of nature is the work of G-d
