Daniel's Dream

Oil on canvas (original dimensions: 48”x48”)

Mitzrayim was the first galus the Jewish people had to endure. However, as we see through out Sefer Daniel (the Sefer that has more written about the coming of Moshiach than any other Sefer in Tanach), we see throughout, that there will be 4 more galios. As shown in Chapter 7, Rising out of the sea each beast represents another galus. 

Galus is represented by the dark night just as daylight represents Geula. Each beast represents an ephemeral malchus (such as Paroh) – all who rise against us lose their crown. The first is the lion with eagles wings, representing Galus Bavel (as we mourn on Tisha B’Av). Then the Persian bear representing Galus Paras uMadai (that we just remembered on Purim). Third is a leopard with 4 heads and 4wings representing Galus Yavan (as we remember from the story of Chanukah). The last, representing Galus Rome, does not resemble any known beast.  This beast had 10 horns with a smaller horn uprooting the last 3 horns. This smaller horn had two eyes and a mouth speaking haughty words. According to Rav Saadiah Gaon the Roman Empire is composed of 10 governments/monarchies (Rome, Armenia, Hungry, Germany, Bulgaria, the western Slavic countries, France, Spain, Russia, and the Arabian empire). Abarbanel (Mayenei Hayeshuah 8:5) and Malbim understand the first 9 alluding to the Papacy (Christianity). Both Ibn Ezra and Malbim suggest that the 10th, the small horn, is a nation that will convert to Islam. Small at its inception but growing swiftly into a mighty power. 

Daniel’s dream continues with a man – a human being walking amongst the clouds before the Creator of the world. Unlike the beasts who ruled with brute force before him, this man will be crowned King Moshiach and made known to all as the true Ruler of the world. He will have conquered earthliness and will float on clouds formed of his Torah and mitzvos soaring high above the world (Malbim). As you can see we are finally coming to the end of the Galus. Hold on just a little longer, the Geula is just about here! 

As you look up towards the top right of the painting, you will notice the beginning of פרק צו of Tehilim painted into the clouds that speaks of the new song that will be sung when Moshiach arrives. In the Gutnick edition of Sefer Shmos in parahas B’shalach (under sparks of Chasidus) it mentions the 10 songs that will be sung throughout the world over the course of time.  The first, is Az Yashir led by Moshe, and the 10th (new) song will be sung with Moshiach.