There has been an increase in the above during these most recent days. The events of these final days in the affair of "the kingdoms will struggle with each other" emphasize that we find ourselves in reality close to the Redemption, as explained in the midrashim of our Sages, may their memories be for a blessing, that this is one of the signs of Redemption.
In the language of the Midrash [it states], "In the year the King Moshiach will be revealed... the king of Persia will provoke the king of Arabia... all the nations of the world will be in turmoil and terror... and (the Holy One, Blessed be He) will say to them (Israel), 'My children, do not be afraid, all that I have done I have done only for your sake... the time of your Redemption has arrived.'"
...And in regard to the activities of the enemies of Israel, which they try to injure, G-d forbid - there is no substance in them, and their efforts will not succeed,
...The connection of these events to the children of Israel is - the knowledge that "the time of your Redemption has arrived"; therefore, stand ready all of you to greet our righteous Moshiach, including and in particular through increasing in matters of Torah and mitzvos, since through "one mitzvah," one tips the scale for himself and the entire world to the side of merit, and causes for himself and them salvation and deliverance."
From the talk of Shabbos Parshas Bo, 4 Shvat, 5751
- Bereishis Rabbah ch. 42:4. Midrash Lekach Tov, Lech Lecha 14:1
- [The struggle of the nations, particularly the Gulf War, prophetically described in the Yalkut Shimoni (see next paragraph). Translator's note]
- Yalkut Shimoni Yeshayahu (Isaiah), remez 499.
- Rambam, Hilchos Teshuva, (Laws of Repentance) Chapter 3, Halacha 4.
