The Evolution of Nahmanides’ Messianic Perception

Abstract

This article demonstrates transformations in Nahmanides’ perception of the Messiah. Its first section traces Nahmanides’s attitude towards the Messiah’s coming, as reflected in his various writings, and shows that over the years, his messianic expectations shift from the coming of the Messiah to the dwelling of the Divine Presence (Shekhinah). Its second section suggests that this transformation reflects a deeper change that took place in Nahmanides’ eschatological speculation as he gradually formulated a utopian view of the era, characterized by the dwelling of the Divine Presence and the repairing of the world (Tiqqun ‘Olam). Thus, Nahmanides’ novel messianic conception privileged an anticipation of a wondrous utopian age over the expectation of the Messiah himself.