Haftorah

Yeshayahu 40:27-41:16

Chapter 40: A prophecy of comfort for the Jewish people

• G-d’s greatness and capability: The prophet now recites several verses relating to the greatness of G-d, His providence over the world, and all that He provides.
• Look up to the heavens and see who created these.

Chapter 41: A prophecy of encouragement for the Jewish people and chastising to the Gentile nations

• Hashem will help the Jewish people in a miraculous way: Listen oh nations. Do you really not believe that G-d can help the Jewish people overcome you? Who is the one who performed all the miracles for Abraham in his war against the four kings? I am the one who helped him in a miraculous manner. All the nations of the world saw this and became frightened and came to him to give them presents.
• Each man shall help his friend and tell his brother to strengthen his ways.
• Hashem chose the Jewish people who are faithful to Him: Despite all this, the nations continued serving idolatry and encouraging each other to do so. However, the Jewish people remained faithful to Me, and therefore I have chosen Jacob the descendants of my beloved Abraham.
• Trust in G-d that He will save you from your enemies: The prophet now encourages the Jewish people to have faith in G-d, as He will help them and protect them from the nations, and that the evil nations will fall. I G-d will help you be victorious over even the mightiest nations and obliterate them, and hence you shall rejoice in G-d.