The haphtarah for parshas Re’eh continues the theme of
consoling Israel for the destruction of the Temple. The source is the book of
Isaiah 54:11 – 55:5. The people the prophet is addressing are called עֲנִיָּה (ah-niy-ah) which is typically
understood as poor or afflicted. They are also storm-tossed and unconsoled. The
Metsudas David comments that this is referring to Jerusalem which was like a
shaky ship buffeted by storm winds without anybody to comfort her. The Radak
sees it as those who were buffeted by the storm winds of the exile. Rashi
renders it as one whose heart storms because of many troubles (see Isaiah
57:11).
The
focus of this prophesy is righteous believers, who have become a harried wreck,
because of the destruction of the Temple and the horrors surrounding it. The
basic consolation is that good will generally come out of this disaster. They
will personally be greatly remunerated. In addition the evil that they saw was
always under the control of the holy One, blessed be He, and a tool in is hand
as well. The tone is like that of a reliable employer enumerating the details
of a bonus that will be given to employees that have been involved with a very
difficult assignment.
The
first compensation involves the language of construction, for example cement,
foundations, shutters, gates, fences. These will contain or even be composed of
precious stones such as sapphires and rubies. The object seems to be both
individuals and the nation as a whole. To a certain extent it can be understood
as a metaphor and an exaggeration. In any case the message is that life in a
tenement will be over and slums in the nation will be gone.
Extending
on the idea of a release from poverty food will be free. Wine and milk are
mentioned as examples, emphasizing this applies to both staples and luxuries.
In addition food will be healthy, tasty, and satisfying.
Spiritual
blessings are listed. Decisions made by the servants of Hashem will be on the
right foundations. Heaven will demonstrate that their past actions and words
indeed were correct. Aggravation and
intimidation will be far away and will evaporate as well. Every weapon raised
against the just of Israel will fail and every tongue raised against them will
be condemned. Their children will be taught religion and religion will be their
teacher and they will learn quietly and orderly.
These
are the blessings for the nation of Israel. The blessings promised to King
David will be realized. A leader from the house of David will arise who will be
an example, spokesman, and commander of many nations. Instead of being
persecuted by many nations, Israel will be served by many nations, including
nations they never heard of, because of the glory of G-d.
To a
certain extent the prophet is telling us what we should hope for and what will
eventually be. In the desolation following a catastrophe yearnings for future
wealth and glory may seem to be ridiculous. However the same power that brought
about the destruction will bring about an even greater construction. In fact
the destruction was simply the destruction of the evil so as to make space for
the good to grow. The message of the prophet is a message of hope and optimism
to counter reaction of despair and depression which would be natural in the
aftermath of devastation.
לע"נ, הדוד ,שמואל
בן נח ז"ל נלב"ע ט"ו אב תשס"ט,
Acknowledgements to websites:
תורת אמת, וויקיטקסט, http://dictionary.reference.com/,
http://hebrewbooks.org/,
וגם בדואר אלקטרוני
ניתן באתר http://dyschreiber.blogspot.co.il
Blogger Hebrew
http://dyschreiber.blogspot.com/2014/08/83.html
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