What does the Rambam say about the prophecy 'the wolf will dwell with the lamb'?
The Rambam interprets all such prophecies as metaphors. 'Wolves and leopards' represent wicked nations. They will return to truth and eat 'permitted food at peace with Israel' — no supernatural change in nature occurs.
Question 2
What is Elijah's primary mission before the Messianic era according to the Rambam?
The Rambam cites Malachi: Elijah will 'turn the hearts of fathers to children' — a mission of peace and spiritual preparation. He explicitly says Elijah does not come to overturn established lineage rulings or declare the pure impure.
Question 3
What does the Rambam say about those who try to calculate the time of Mashiach's arrival?
The Rambam quotes the Sages: 'May the spirits of those who attempt to determine the time of Mashiach's coming expire!' One should simply await and believe in the general concept — not focus on the details.
Question 4
Why did the Sages and prophets long for the Messianic era?
The Rambam is explicit: the Messianic desire was never about dominion, pleasure, or even peace for its own sake — but to be free to study Torah without pressure or disturbance, so as to merit eternal life.
Question 5
How does the Rambam describe the world in the Messianic era's ultimate state?
The Mishneh Torah concludes with Isaiah 11:9: 'The world will be filled with the knowledge of God as the waters cover the ocean bed.' This is the final, universal vision — unlimited divine knowledge accessible to all humanity.