An ancient source mentions the fall of Persia as one of the mysteries that cannot be known until it happens. Will this prophetic vision be fulfilled in our days? Ein Yakov, a compendium of narratives of 1500 years ago from the Talmud, mentions that there are seven things that are hidden from man. Three of these relate to the time of the final Redemption. First is the mention of the day of consolation (which hints at one of the names of the Messiah, "Menachem," the consoler). Second, the restoration of the kingdom of David (from whom the Messiah is descended). And third, when the kingdom of Persia will fall. At the time of the Talmud, the Persian Empire included the following countries:
Iran
Turkey
Pakistan
Afghanistan
Iraq
Northern Saudi Arabia
Jordan
Israel
Lebanon
Syria
Egypt
Libya
Ein Yakov, "Legends of the Talmud,"
Volume 2, p. 34-35
"Our rabbis were taught: Seven things are hidden from men: The day of death; the day of consolation;*
the profundity of Divine judgement; [a man should not know] of what occupation one may make a living and what is in the heart of his fellow man; when the kingdom of David will be restored to its place, and when the kingdom of Persia may fall."
*When Israel shall return to his land and the words (of Isaiah) will be fulfilled. "For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of G-d as waters cover the sea." Note here that the Talmud distinguished this return from that of the kingdom of David as two separate things.
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