king" has acquired an exclusively positive connotation, one that is visibly and manifestly good, even to eyes of flesh. In the words of our sages:
The Holy One Blessed be He says to Israel, "My children have no fear. All that I have done I have done exclusively for you... the time of your Redemption has arrived."
The emphasis of this generation - particularly this year, the year designated as "It shall be a year of wonders I will show him" - should be placed on the concept of G-d's support of those who have fallen, to strengthen and encourage the Jewish people, emphasizing particularly the support and encouragement acquired through faith in the coming of Moshiach and the implicit trust that "behold he (our righteous Moshiach) is coming."
This should be accompanied with enhanced preparation for his arrival by way of teshuvah [repentance, return] and observance of Torah and mitzvos. In the words of the pronouncement of my sainted father-in-law - the leader of our generation: "immediate Teshuvah, immediate Redemption."
"Return, O, Israel, unto G-d your G-d; prepare yourselves and your family to greet our righteous Moshiach, who shall arrive soon, in the most literal sense."
(From the talks of Shabbos Parshas Vayechi (and Asara b'Teves, may it be transformed into joy) 5751)
Yechezkal 24:2.
Yalkut Shimoni, Yeshayahu 499.
This includes the efforts of the Babylonian King, who is merely an ax in the hands of the one who chops with it. [i.e. He is G-d's instrument.]
[The phrase ohkpub lnux - "supports the falling" - is similar to the expression mentioned before - kcc lkn lnx - the Babylonian King besieged," which the Rebbe interpreted in a positive vein to mean that "he supported." Translator's note.]
Shir HaShirim 2:8. See Shir HaShirim Rabbah on this verse (2:8(b)).
In his Igros Kodesh, vol. 5, end of p. 361 ff., 377 ff., 408 ff. and in other places.
Hayom Yom - 15 Teves.
