Midrasch zu Zephaniah 3:11

R. Chanina said: "Ben David will not come until such a time when a piece of fish will be sought for a sick one, and it will not be found, as it is said (Ez. 32, 14) Then will I make clear their waters, and cause their rivers to flow like oil. And there is also another verse (Ib. 29, 21) On that day will I cause to grow a horn for the house of Israel, and unto thee will I open the mouth in the midst of them." R. Chama b. Chanina said: "Ben David will not appear until even the slightest trace of tyranny against Israel will be removed, as it is said (Is. 18, 5) He will both cut off the tendrils with pruning-knives, and the sprigs he will remove and cut down." And thereafter, it is written, At that time shall be brought as a present unto the Lord of Hosts a people pulled and torn." And Zera, in the name of R. Chanina said: "Ben David will not come until the presumptuous men of Isarel will cease to exist, as it is said (Zeph. 3, 11) For then will I remove out of the midst of thee, those that rejoice in thy pride, and thou shalt never more be haughty again on My mount. And thereafter it is written, I will leave, remaining in the midst of thee, a humble and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the Lord." R. Simlai said, in the name of R. Elazar b. Simon: "Ben David will not come unless there will cease to be judges and officers of Israel, as it is said (Is. 1, 25) And I will turn My hand against thee, and purge as with lye thy dross, and remove all thy tin. And I will restore thy judges as at first, and thy counsellors as at the beginning, etc."