Though he will be the ultimate in greatness, for he will teach the Patriarchs and Moshe, he will be the ultimate in humility and self-nullification, for he will also teach simple folk." --Hayom Yom, entry for Menachem Av 1.
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"The unique quality of Moshiach is that he will be humble. Though he will be the ultimate in greatness, for he will teach Torah to the Patriarchs and to Moshe Rabeinu (alav hashalom), still he will be the ultimate in humility and self-nullification, for he will also teach simple folk." (Hayom Yom)
In the book of Isaiah (11:2-5), a prophecy regarding the qualities of the Moshiach, we find the following verse: "And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord." This verse suggests that the Moshiach will possess the spirit of "fear of the Lord," which can be understood as a form of humility before the Divine. Thus, the Moshiach's humility is deeply rooted in his relationship with God.
The Talmud also discusses the humility of the Moshiach. In Tractate Sanhedrin (93b), it states: "The Gemara cites a verse that alludes to the Messiah, who possesses both greatness and humility: 'And they shall dwell in his shadow' (Hosea 14:8). The Messiah is one who is humble, for he does not exalt himself despite his greatness." This highlights that the Moshiach's humility is not diminished by his immense stature and capabilities. His humility is an essential quality that allows him to effectively lead and teach.
In Kabbalah it is understood that the Moshiach possesses the soul-root of Moses, who is acclaimed for his exceptional humility. The parallel between Moses and the Moshiach suggests that the Moshiach will embody the same humility and modesty that characterized Moses' leadership. As Numbers 12:3 states, "Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth." This connection reinforces the notion that the Moshiach's humility will be profound and exemplary.
In Chassidic thought, humility is considered a fundamental virtue for spiritual growth. The Baal Shem Tov, the founder of Chassidism, emphasized the importance of humility in the service of God and in relating to others. His teachings guide us to approach our own spiritual journeys with humility, recognizing our limitations and shortcomings. The Moshiach's humility, aligned with this Chassidic ideal, showcases that true greatness is not solely based on knowledge or achievements but on the ability to uplift and connect with others.
Despite his greatness and the ability to teach even the most revered figures in Jewish history, Moshiach will also have the capacity to teach and uplift individuals from all walks of life. His humility will enable him to transmit the wisdom of Torah in a manner that deeply resonates with people, making the teachings of Judaism accessible to all.
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