“Gather together and I will tell you what will happen to you at the end of days.”

-Vayechi 49:1

The Talmud (Pesachim 56a) relates that Jacob “bikesh legalot et haketz-wished to reveal the end (of the galut),” but it was concealed from him.

Jacob wished to reveal the date of the Messianic redemption. One could also read this in the sense of “he wished to reveal, i.e., manifest and bring about, the end.” In this context there is an important moral for every Jew. We are to follow in the footsteps of our patriarch, and wish and pray for the revelation or manifestation of the ultimate end.

The contemplation on, and the active anticipation of, the imminent manifestation of the redemption, will of itself assist and encourage the service of G‑d. This is evident in the fact that when making a Jew aware that “Behold, Moshiach is about to come!” and “We want Moshiach now!”-this message inspires and encourages him in his service of G‑d to bring about this ultimate goal.