Haftorah Summary

Yeshayahu 61:10-63:9

 

Chapter 61: The redemption and rebuilding of Jerusalem and gathering of the exiles

• Proclaiming the redemption to the Jewish people: The spirit of G-d has fallen upon me, and He has anointed me to proclaim to the Jewish people of the coming redemption, to heal their wounds, and to call for their returns from the exiles.
• Comforting the residents of Jerusalem: The residents of Jerusalem will now wear a crown instead of wearing ash and will rejoice rather than mourn.
• The Gentiles will work for the Jewish people: The Gentile nations will shepherd your flock and they will also work your fields. You however the Jewish people will be considered the priests of G-d who will serve G-d and will receive the treasures of the nations.
• The Gentiles will realize the uniqueness of the Jewish people: The honor of the nations will then be moved to the Jewish people. The Gentile nations will recognize every Jew and view him as a blessed child of G-d.
• The Jewish people will wear garments of rejoicing and celebrate with G-d.

 

Chapter 62: The state of Jerusalem in the times of the redemption

• G-d has promised that He will not remain quiet until the redemption has come.
• Greatness and new name of Jerusalem: All the Gentile nations and their kings will see the greatness of Jerusalem, and will call it by a new name, Cheftziba.
• Yasis Alayich Elokayich-Like a bride and groom: The joy of Jerusalem will be like the rejoicing of a groom with his bride.
• Angelic guards: Angels will be appointed to guard the walls of Jerusalem day at night.
• Benefiting from the produce of one’s labor: G-d will never again allow for the enemy to eat your grains and drink your wine that you toiled in making.

Chapter 63: Vengeance against Edom and praising G-d for the redemption

• I have thought of the day that I will seek vengeance against Edom and bring redemption for the Jewish people. I have seen that no nation has come to help the Jewish people and hence I alone will take out My wrath on the enemy. I will tear their strength and make them confused like drunkards.
• Giving thanks and praise to G-d: the Jewish people need to mention praise of G-d on all the good that He has done for them. G-d has stood with them by all of their oppressions and sufferings, and His angel has given them salvation.
• Looking for Moshe to save them: During the exile, the Jewish people look at Moshe their leader and ask as to his whereabouts and as to why G-d does not send a similar savior from this exile.

Praying to G-d for salvation: The Jewish people exclaim that G-d is their father as they do not know what happened to Abraham or Jacob, and they therefore turn to you G-d our father to redeem us.