Chapter 1: The vision of Yeshayahu

1. The vision of Yeshayahu during the reigns of the kings of Judah:

• The following is the vision of the prophet Yeshayahu the son of Amotz, which he prophesized concerning Judah and Jerusalem, in the days of reign of King’s Uzziah, Yotam, Achaz, and Chizkiah, who were kings of Judah.

2. The prophecy:

• Chastising Israel for leaving G-d: Listen heavens and earth, to the following words of Hashem: The children whom I raised and exalted have rebelled against Me. Even an ox knows his owner and a donkey his master, however the Jewish people do not know Me.
• The punishment: Your land is destroyed and given over to strangers. If not for Hashem’s mercy we would have been decimated like Sodom and Gomorrah.
• Hashem despises your worship: What use are your many sacrifices to Me which I do not want [being that you transgress my Torah^[1]]? I do not desire your assembly and emergence in my Temple, including on Shabbos and Rosh Chodesh. I despise your holidays and view them as a burden for Me.
• Hashem does not heed to the prayers of Israel: I do not listen to your prayers even when you spread out your hands towards Me, as your hands are filled with blood.
• Hashem beseeches the Jewish people to repent: Cleanse yourselves from evil. Start to do good by seeking justice for the robbed and the orphan and widow.
• Hashem promises cleansing and reconciliation if the Jewish people repent: If you repent, then even if your sins are as red as crimson, they will become white as snow. If you do repent, then you will merit to eat the best of the land.
• The consequences if the Jewish people do not repent: If you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword. Jerusalem has gone from a faithful city full of justice and righteousness to a city of harlots and murderers. Your princes are rebellious and companions of thieves. Everyone loves bribes.
• Hashem promises restoration of Jerusalem: I will restore your judges and your counsellors and afterwards you shall once again be called City of Righteousness, and a Faithful City. Zion will be redeemed through justice and righteousness.

[1] Rashi 1:10