In Republic, the Greek philosopher Plato discusses politics and explores the ideal form of government. What if we had a “philosopher king,” he asks, who rules with wisdom, virtue and a love of the truth, rather than through autocracy and fear? Classical Greece has since evolved into Western Civilization in which democratic principles ultimately won out. So Plato’s dream remains purely, well, philosophical.
In his Laws of Teshuvah, the Rambam (Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon, 12th century philosopher and halachic codifier) discusses reward and punishment. These laws incorporate a number of principles concerning the Messianic era and Moshiach himself. Among them is the following:
The king who will arise from King David's descendants will be a greater master of knowledge than King Shlomo. And he is a great prophet, close to the level of Moshe our Teacher. Therefore, he will teach the entire nation and instruct them in the path of G-d.
All the gentile nations will come to hear him as [Yeshayahu 2:2] states: "And it shall come to pass in the End of Days that the mountain of G-d's house shall be established at the peak of the mountains and all the nations shall stream toward it."
Educator-in-Chief
Moshiach will fill many roles. As a Jewish military leader, he will bring about the total defeat of the enemies of the Jewish people. As a king, he will govern the Jewish nation and stabilize domestic and foreign affairs. The ultimate global leader, he will bring unity with “a single language of peace” to all the nations of the world.
His paramount calling, the Rambam implies, will be his educational abilities. The greatest teacher of all time, Moshiach will serve as the head of the Torah academy to which Jews and non-Jews alike will flock just to be able to learn from him.
His role as an educator will inform all other aspects of his leadership. Moshiach will not rule as a dictator who imposes his authority through force, but as a guide inspiring change through wisdom and understanding. He will foster a civil and harmonious society by raising awareness of G-d through the study of Torah, uniting all people in service of the Higher Power. His clear and tangible lessons about how every individual is created in the image of G-d will inspire people to honor the Divine within their fellow over their inclination to cause harm.
Many of today’s societal challenges—such as crime, corruption, and misinformation—will be naturally overcome.
