The pasuk in Parashat Balak (Bamidbar 24:17) says, “A star will emerge from Yaakov [and will rule the entire world].” The Targum explains that this is a prophecy regarding Mashiach. He is called a star, says the Maharal, because of his lofty level.
The belief in the coming of Mashiach is one of our Thirteen Principles of Faith. We are supposed to reaffirm every day, “I believe with a complete faith that Mashiach will come.” Not only do we have to believe, but we also must actively anticipate his arrival. Chazal (Shabbat 31a) tell us that this is one of the questions we will be asked after we leave this world: “Did you anticipate the salvation? Were you anxiously awaiting his coming?”
Our Rabbis did us a great favor by incorporating into every Amidah a berachah about anticipating Mashiach: “We have anticipated Your salvation throughout the day.” If we say these words with understanding and belief, then we will be able to answer that question affirmatively.
The days of Mashiach will be the greatest era in history. He will be a regular mortal, like everyone else. As is written (Yeshayahu 11:1), “A staff will emerge from the stump of Yishai.” He will descend from the branch of Yishai [father of David HaMelech, which is the tribe of Yehudah]. In every single generation, someone is born who could be Mashiach. He will be a master of Torah wisdom and possess sterling character traits. If the generation is worthy, Hashem will send Eliyahu HaNavi to anoint him as king.
Rav Chaim Vital (Likutei Torah) writes that he will receive an extra neshamah from Heaven that will imbue him with extraordinary siyata d’Shmaya. He will have more wisdom than Shlomo HaMelech. The Midrash Tanchuma (12) says that he will be greater than even Moshe Rabbeinu.
When people hear him speak, they will all be drawn to his wisdom. Every nation will appoint him their new leader, until he becomes the leader of the entire world. There will be unprecedented unity and peace. Not only will there be an end to war, but no one will even train to be a soldier. No country will need a military, because everyone will be united and at peace with one another.
The world will be filled with the wisdom of Hashem. We’ll be able to understand the hidden secrets of Creation and why Hashem runs the world the way He does.
The Maharal (Chapter 7) writes that the spiritual level of the world will be as it was before the sin of Adam HaRishon. The Bet HaMikdash will be rebuilt. It will be a glorious time of pure happiness. The streets will be filled with young children playing. Even the animals will cease to harm. There will be no more fear. We will be free to delve into the wisdom of Hashem.
The pasuk (Daniel 12:2) states, “Many of those who sleep in the dusty earth will awaken. Many of those who have passed on will once again come back to life. Families will be reunited. The great luminaries of all times will once again walk this earth. In the merit of our anticipation of these glorious days, may we see them, speedily in our days. Amen.