In Psalm 76, Assaf is speaking of Messianic times, when the nations of the world will accept Hashem’s sovereignty and cease rebelling against Him. The Sages explain that during the Messianic era, the nations of the world will join forces against Jerusalem, located in the portion of the tribe of Judah. "G-D is recognized in Judah; in Israel, His Name is great (v. 2)." With the nations’ sound defeat at the hands of Judah will come the recognition of G-D. That awareness will generalize throughout Israel and the name of Hashem shall be magnified.

 

10th of Cheshvan, November 8, 2008

 

In Messianic times, we are promised that the Beit HaMikdash will be rebuilt in Jerusalem. "Then His Tabernacle was in Jerusalem, and His Dwelling in Zion (v. 3)." Because this has been prophesied as a real event, the verse speaks in the past tense as though it had already transpired. Alternatively, the use of the past tense may reflect that the foundation for the rebuilding of the Beit HaMikdash has already been laid. We have hallowed that ground through our suffering and our persecution during this long exile. Each day, when we renew and maintain our steadfast commitment to Hashem and His Torah, we add another brick to its structure.

 

Shabbat Shalom.