The coming of the Messiah will not occur until the measure is full, as it is said, ‘In its time I will hasten it’ (Isaiah 60:22). The school of Eliyahu interpreted this to mean: In its appointed time if they are not worthy; but hastened if they are righteous.
The Sages taught in a baraita: With regard to the seven-year period, i.e., the Sabbatical cycle, during which the Messiah, son of David, comes: During the first year, this verse will be fulfilled: “And I will cause it to rain upon one city and cause it not to rain upon another city” (Amos 4:7). During the second year of that period, arrows of famine will be shot, indicating that there will be famine only in certain places. During the third year there will be a great famine, and men, women, children, the pious, and men of action will die, and the Torah is forgotten by those who study it. During the fourth year there will be plenty but not great plenty. During the fifth year there will be great plenty and they will eat, and drink, and rejoice, and the Torah will return to those who study it. During the sixth year, heavenly voices will be heard. During the Sabbatical Year, wars, e.g., the war of Gog and Magog, will be waged involving the Jewish people. During the year after the conclusion of the Sabbatical Year, the son of David will come.
If Israel repents for even a single day, the Son of David (Messiah) will come immediately. If they do not repent, the redemption will come in its appointed time.
Don’t let anyone deceive you at all! For the gathering will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who replaces and exalts himself above every “god” or object of worship, so that he sits in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.
