Why Hasn't the Messiah Come?
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Question
Hello! I have a question. The TANAKH contains many prophetic visions of the future, and the most important of them is the return of the Lord to our world, to Israel, and the subsequent resurrection of the dead. Why doesn't the Almighty come now, for example? Why, seeing the lawlessness and depravity occurring in the world, does He still not come to judge our world? I would be very grateful for an answer!
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for your question.
It is evident that you are referring to the coming of the Messiah and the Messianic era.
The date of the Messiah's arrival is one of the Divine secrets. Nevertheless, our sages have left us certain hints and signs indicating the possible approach of his coming.
As you rightly pointed out, the troubling events occurring in the world may indeed be a reason for the Messiah to come. Indeed, the sages list a number of signs: the rise of arrogance and audacity, corrupt leadership, depravity, poverty, disrespect for elders and sages, rejection of truth, and much more. Such phenomena may indicate that the coming of the Messiah is near. As stated in the Midrash: "When you see a generation growing weaker and weaker — wait for Him... When you see a generation overwhelmed by suffering like a river — expect Him... When nations begin to fight each other — look to the footsteps of the Messiah."
Our sages also teach that the fulfillment of the Torah's commandments protects a person from all negativity. Moreover, there are positive signs indicating the approach of the Messiah: the growth of material prosperity, the revival of Torah study, scientific and technological progress, evident miracles — and all of this we observe in our days!
Therefore, there is no reason for fear. There is no need to delve into thoughts about if and how the Messiah will come. Our task is simply to strengthen our faith, await His coming, and fulfill as many commandments as possible to bring this great moment closer.
Source
Sotah 49b; Sanhedrin 97a, 98a; Shir HaShirim Rabbah 2:29; Pesachim 54b; Midrash Tehillim 22:4, 9:2, 45:3; Zohar Chadash, Bereshit, 8a; Bereshit Rabbah 42:4.