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Similarly, the men of the generation of the flood proclaimed: “Come, let us build us a city, so that He may descend to earth and we may ascend to heaven. But if He should not descend, then let us wage war against Him.

-Midrash Tanchuma Noach18:13 on Tower of Bab-El
Babel | City | Tower | War
  • Rather, Rabbi Yirmeya bar Elazar says: They divided into three factions; one said: Let us ascend to the top of the tower and dwell there. And one said: Let us ascend to the top of the tower and engage in idol worship. And one said: Let us ascend to the top of the tower and wage war.
  • 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.
  • And in saying that ‘three horns’ (Daniel 7:8) were ‘plucked up by the roots’ by this one, he indicates the three kings of Egypt, Libya, and Ethiopia, whom this one will slay in the array of war
  • And he will confirm a covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will cease sacrifice and grain offering; and on the verge of abominations is he who causes horror, until a decreed complete destruction is poured out on the one who devastates.
  • God said to Moses: ‘Command the children of Israel and say to them, My appointed times (moed) shall you keep as My covenant forever.’ (Leviticus 23:2) This is to teach you that the calendar and its festivals are set by the divine order and should not be tampered with. Do not look into or follow the calculations of those who stray from this path, for their times are not aligned with the divine will. Just as I have sanctified the Sabbath, so have I sanctified the months and the festivals for you.
  • The Messianic era will last for 1,000 years. This corresponds to the verse, ‘For a thousand years in Your sight are like a day that has just gone by’ (Psalms 90:4).