In every generation, a person is born with the potential to be Moshiach. If the time is right within that person’s lifetime, then that person will be annointed Moshiach. If that person dies, then he cannot be Moshiach of that generation. Hashem places Moshiach’s Neshama into the next generation’s Tzaddik. This Tzaddik will know he is Moshiach when HaShem reveals it to him. "And they shall come into the bomb shelters of the caves and into the bunkers of the sinkholes, for horror of Hashem and because of the majestic She'China of His pride, when He arises to inflict terror upon the planet earth" (Yeshayahu 2:19). "The {She’China} of his majesty" refers to Moshiach when he shall reveal himself in Haaretz Galil; for in this part of the Holy Land the desolation first began, and therefore he will manifest himself there first, and from there, begin to war against the [Nations].
Steven Allan Spielberg: I dream, for a living.
After the forty days, during which the pillar stands between heaven and earth before the eyes of the whole world, and Moshiach has manifested himself, a star shall come forth from the East shining brilliantly, and seven other stars shall surround it, and make war on it from all sides, three times a day for seventy days, before the eyes of the whole world. The one star will fight against the seven with rays of fire flashing on every side, and it shall smite them until they are extinguished, evening after evening.
During the day, they will appear again and fight before the eyes of the whole world, seventy days long. After the seventy days the one star will vanish. Also Moshiach will be hidden for twelve months in the pillar of fire, and will return again, although not visible. After the twelve months Moshiach will be carried up to heaven in that pillar of fire and receive the power and dominion and the royal crown. When he descends, the pillar of fire will again be visible to the eyes of the world, and Moshiach will reveal himself, and mighty nations will gather round him, and he shall declare war against all the world.
At that time, Elokim will show His power before all the nations of the earth, and Moshiach will be manifested throughout the whole universe, and all leaders and kings will unite to fight against him, and even in Israel there will be found some wicked ones who shall join them in the fight against Moshiach.
Then there will be darkness over all the world for fifteen days, and many in Israel will perish in that darkness; "Behold, darkness covers the earth and gross darkness the peoples But upon you Hashem will shine, And His Glory will be seen over you." (Isaiah 62:2).
