דניאל, פרק י״ב, פסוק א׳

The end of days marks the dramatic climax of human and Jewish history. It is a time defined by an unprecedented global crisis, which ultimately paves the way for a miraculous salvation for a portion of the nation. As this era approaches, the great angel Michael takes a central role, though his exact response is a matter of profound debate.

The primary approach among commentators is that Michael, who traditionally acts as the defender of the Jewish people, will step forward to seek mercy and shield them from harm [מצודת דוד, יוסף אבן יחיא]. This defense will take the form of miraculous divine intervention. God will alter the very laws of nature just as those laws seem to guarantee the complete destruction of the nation [מלבי״ם]. Additionally, Michael will actively work to bring down the ruling powers of the kingdom of Ishmael [אבן עזרא]. However, an opposing view suggests a starkly different scene. In this moment of judgment, Michael will actually be struck mute, entirely unable to speak in defense of the people. This silence occurs because God Himself will be presiding over the judgment, hesitating over how to destroy such massive nations for the sake of Israel [רש״י].

The backdrop to this angelic involvement is a period of distress unlike anything experienced since the Jewish people first became a nation. This crisis will engulf the entire world, bringing with it widespread wars, famine, plagues, captivity, and looting [יוסף אבן יחיא]. The heaviest pressure and oppression during this time will stem from the kingdom of Ishmael [מצודת דוד]. Alongside this physical suffering, a severe spiritual crisis will unfold, featuring heavenly accusations leveled against Torah scholars, coupled with intense looting on the ground [רש״י].

Despite the overwhelming threat of destruction, salvation will arrive, though it is not promised to everyone. Only those whose names are recorded in a specific book will escape the disaster. The primary approach among commentators is that this refers to the Book of Life or the Book of Remembrance kept before God. According to this view, the survivors are the righteous individuals who fear God and whose good deeds are recorded within its pages, while the wicked will be lost in the chaos [מצודת דוד, אבן עזרא, מלבי״ם, יוסף אבן יחיא, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Alternatively, a unique perspective identifies this book as the Book of Daniel itself. In this light, the promise is that all the dreams and prophecies recorded by Daniel regarding the downfall of the enemies and the ultimate triumph of God's holy people will finally come true in their entirety [רש״י].