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Rabbi Yosef Zvi Rimon Rabbanit Sharon Rimon

Redemption from

the Destruction

he destruction of the Temple people in their Land. In addition to Even Eicha, which laments the
and Jerusalem was obviously a these prophecies of redemption, the destruction, ends with a tone of hope
Tmajor crisis in the history of the Tanach describes the destruction in (Lamentations 5: 19-22):
Jewish people. How could we continue a way that leaves possibility for hope.
to exist after such a catastrophe? For example, both Kings and Jeremiah “But You, O L-rd, are enthroned
How can the Jewish nation continue conclude with the improvement of the forever, Your throne endures through
to believe in a close connection with status of King Yehoyachin in Babylon the ages. Why have You forgotten us
G-d? How will we live in exile? (Kings 2 25: 27-28 and Jeremiah 52: utterly, Forsaken us for all time? Take
31-32): “In the thirty-seventh year of us back, O L-rd, to Yourself, And let us
The Midrash describes the concept the exile of King Yehoyachin of Judah, come back; Renew our days as of old!
that the Shechina went into exile with King Evil-Merodach of Babylon, in For truly, You have rejected us, Bitterly
Israel, and will be with them there the year he became king, took note of raged against us. Take us back, O L-rd,
until their return to the Land of Israel. King Yehoyachin of Judah and released to Yourself, And let us come back;
him from prison. He spoke kindly to Renew our days as of old!”
This is not a simple idea. The
destruction could have brought the him.” Thanks to the hope that the prophets
people to the conclusion that G-d Improving the status of Yehoyachin imparted to the people of Israel during
had abandoned them, and they were gives hope to the exiles in Babylon times of great tragedy, Israel continues
no longer the Chosen People. Ezekiel that their situation will improve, and to hold faith in G-d and retain the
describes the people’s thoughts: that there will be a continuation of the connection with the Land of Israel.
“When you say, ‘We will be like the House of David. Am Yisrael has survived thousands of
nations, like the families of the lands, years of exile, preserving its identity
worshiping wood and stone.’” (Ezekiel Chronicles ends with an even greater and, in recent generations, has been
20:32). hope (Chronicles 2 36: 22-23): “And in privileged to experience the beginning
the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, of the Final Redemption.
Even after the destruction, Jeremiah when the word of the L-rd spoken by
and Ezekiel invest great efforts to Jeremiah was fulfilled, the L-rd roused Hope for a better future is not just
ensure that the people will remain the spirit of King Cyrus of Persia a comfort. It represents a deep
with G-d. The Divine Presence did to issue a proclamation throughout understanding of the nature of the
leave the Temple (as Ezekiel describes his realm by word of mouth and in relationship between G-d and His
the chariot of the Shechina leaving writing, as follows: ‘Thus said King nation, the assembly of Israel. G-d
the Temple in stages), but not the Cyrus of Persia: The L-rd G-d of wants what is best for us. Am Yisrael
people of Israel. As we have said, the Heaven has given me all the kingdoms have a great role in the world, and even
Divine Presence accompanied them of the earth, and has charged me with if we undergo periods of darkness, we
throughout the years of exile. building Him a House in Jerusalem, will ultimately carry out our special
which is in Judah. Any one of you of all mission.
The Tanach makes sure to leave His people, the L-rd his G-d be with
the Jewish people with hope for him and let him go up.’” Through reading the consolation
that follows the destruction, we are
redemption. How does it build that strengthened by the understanding
hope? The Tanach concludes not with the
destruction but with the great hope that G-d loves us and has appointed us
The Tanach is full of great prophecies for redemption – the declaration of to be His messengers to the world.
of salvation, which promise the Cyrus, which will be followed by the Rabbanit Sharon Rimon teaches Tanach
ingathering of the exiles and the return of Zion and the construction of and is Content Editor for the Tanach website
renewed prosperity of the Jewish the Second Temple. www.hatanakh.com/en
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