Yeshaya Perek 50

Yeshaya Perek 50 -
Sefer Yeshaya is taught by Rabbi Albert Setton, Rabbi at Congregation Magen David of West Deal; Rabbi in Hillel Yeshiva.

G-d says that, despite their sins, He has not “divorced” the Jewish people. (This seems to contradict Jeremiah 3:8, which says that He did. However, Jeremiah was prophesying to the Ten Tribes of the Northern Kingdom - the now “lost” Tribes - while Yesha’ya was speaking to the kingdom of Judah.) Why does G-d call for us to return, but no one answers? Is the exile so long that you think He is unable to save you? Whenever He wishes, G-d could dry up the sea, as He did the Red Sea when the Jews left Egypt, or stop a river from flowing, as He did the Jordan when the Jews entered Israel. He dresses the Heavens with darkness and covers them with sackcloth. G-d gave Yesha’ya the ability to teach the weary the word of G-d. G-d rouses Yesha’ya every day, energizing him to hear His teachings. G-d appointed Yesha’ya His prophet and Yesha’ya accepted the job without any hesitation. He did his appointed task, despite the insults and abuse his detractors would heap upon him. G-d gave him the strength to carry on with his task. Soon, Yesha’ya says, he will be vindicated - let those who wish to debate him step forward! G-d will help him and his opponents will wear out like moth-eaten clothes. Who fears G-d and heeds the words of His prophets in darkness? Let such a person rely on G-d! But those who do not listen ignite the fire of G-d’s anger and are thereby burned accordingly. This is payback and these people will have no strength before their enemies.

Summary provided by Rabbi Jack Abramowitz of the Orthodox Union

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