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Six ages for going in and coming out, for war and peace. The seventh age is entirely Shabbat and rest for life everlasting

-Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer 18.12
Ages | Midrash | Talmud
  • The school of Eliyahu (Elijah) taught: Six thousand years is the duration of the world. Two thousand of the six thousand years are characterized by chaos; two thousand years are characterized by Torah, from the era of the Patriarchs until the end of the mishnaic period; and two thousand years are the period of the coming of the Messiah. Six thousand years is the duration of the world, and it is in ruins for one thousand years. The duration of the period during which the world is in ruins is derived from a verse, as it is stated: “And the Lord alone shall be exalted on that day” (Isaiah 2:11). That is the course that history was to take, but due to our many sins, the Messiah did not come after four thousand years passed, and furthermore, the years that elapsed since then, which were to have been the messianic era, have elapsed.
  • Truth will spring from the earth, and righteousness will look down from heaven. In the days of the Messiah, the times of God will become clear, and the righteous will walk in His light.
  • The end is hidden even from the angels, but it will be revealed to Elijah, who will proclaim it to the people when the time is ripe.
  • The righteous will sit with their crowns on their heads and enjoy the radiance of the Shechinah in the World to Come.
  • Elijah will not only announce the Messiah but will also explain the mysteries of the years and the cycles, for all things have their appointed time.
  • Before the Messiah comes, there will be a great war involving all the nations. They will gather against Israel, but the Holy One, Blessed be He, will deliver His people with a mighty hand.