The Prophecy of Eldad and Meidad: Connections Between Parshat Behaʿalotekha and the War in Iran
Introduction The Alter Rebbe once remarked in Yiddish, “Leben mit der tzait” (live with the times), meaning that one should live with the current Torah portion. In Parshat Behaʿalotekha, we encounter a fascinating narrative about two prophets, Eldad and Meidad, whose prophecy has been interpreted by rabbinic tradition as relating to the eschatological war of Gog and Magog. This essay explores the textual sources and interpretations that connect this biblical episode to end-times prophecy, with particular attention to traditions linking this conflict to the current war in Iran. The Biblical Account The Torah states: Now two men remained in the camp. The name of the first was Eldad and the name of the second was Meidad. The spirit [of prophecy] rested upon them. They were among those written [as elders, but] they did [...]
