Part II

The statement of our Sages cited above (“Unlike Avraham...”) speaks of the Beis HaMikdash. We find a [parallel, but not entirely similar] statement in Likkutei Torah:

There are three Redemptions, the First Redemption came in the merit of Avraham, the Second Redemption came in the merit of Yitzchak, and the Third Redemption will come in the merit of Yaakov.

There [also] it is explained that the Third Redemption [is associated with Yaakov, because it, like truth,] will be eternal.

The simple explanation [why Likkutei Torah refers to the Redemption rather than Beis HaMikdash] is that building the Beis HaMikdash is one of the primary factors of the Redemption.1 Thus, each qualitative elevation in the Beis HaMikdash brings about a higher level of Redemption.2 This is why the unique dimension of the Third Redemption is associated with the unique dimension of the Third Beis HaMikdash.

In addition, we may say that Likkutei Torah speaks of the unique dimension of the Third Redemption because the Third Redemption [possesses a quality] superior to the Third Beis HaMikdash. This can be appreciated from the fact that the [climax of the] Redemption, (the ingathering of the exiles,) will take place after building the Beis HaMikdash.3 Nevertheless, [even] this dimension comes about through [the influence of] the Third Beis HaMikdash. (For this reason, [the discussion of the uniqueness of the ultimate Redemption] (in Likkutei Torah) is based on [the awareness of] the unique dimension of the Third Beis HaMikdash.) For [on the level of potential], the Third Beis HaMikdash, includes all the [spiritual] influences and qualities that will later be revealed.

According to the Zohar’s description4 of the course of events in the Time to Come, the Resurrection of the Dead is the final occurrence of all. We may thus say, that the revelation of the unique dimension of the Third Beis HaMikdash, {truth that is not subject to interruption or change,} will be primarily in the final epoch of the Resurrection of the Dead, at which time we will be endowed with eternal life.

This is also related to the verse,5 “He has sustained us through the two days. On the third day, He will raise us up, that we may live in His presence.” There are two interpretations of “the third day”: a) it refers to the Third Beis HaMikdash;6 b) it refers to the Resurrection of the Dead.7 The connection between these two explanations is [as above]8 — at the time of the Resurrection of the Dead, the unique dimensions of the Third Beis HaMikdash will be revealed.