Amongst the descriptions of Moshiach’s arrival, “humbly riding a donkey” may be the most surprising. What is the reason for such an unglamorous entrance? Although just a donkey, this simple animal has a long history. We first meet the donkey when Avraham Avinu uses it to transport his supplies for the three-day trip to Akeidas Yitzchak. Then it reappears when Moshe Rabeinu allows his wife and two sons to ride it down to Mitzrayim, as he descends to release his people. Finally, Moshiach himself will arrive, riding the donkey himself.
The Hebrew word for donkey–chamor can also mean chumriyus–physicality. These three stages of use represent the gradual refinement of the chumriyus of the world over, initially merely for its utility. Eventually, when moshiach comes, the mundanity of the entire world will be a vehicle that transports us to even greater heights.
The Talmud tells a story of Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi, who once encountered Eliyahu HaNavi and asked, “When will Moshiach come?” Eliyahu answered, “Ask him yourself—he’s at the gates of Rome.” Rabbi Yehoshua asked, “How will I recognize him among the many people there?” Eliyahu replied, “He sits among the poor and sick. While others remove all their bandages at once, Moshiach unwraps and rewraps his wounds one strip at a time. He does this so he can be ready to come without delay.”
Rabbi Yehoshua traveled to Rome, found Moshiach, and asked, “When will you come?” “Today,” Moshiach answered. Filled with hope, Rabbi Yehoshua rushed home and announced, “Moshiach is coming today!”
Yet the day passed, and Moshiach did not appear. Later, he saw Eliyahu HaNavi again and said, “He lied to me!” Eliyahu gently explained, “He was quoting the Passuk: ‘Today —if you will hearken to My voice.’ Moshiach comes when we are truly ready.”
