Chapter 6: Judgment and Warning from the North

(30 Pesukim)

1.      Warning of Calamity: Evil from the North (6:1-5)

• “Sound the shofar in Tekoa… raise a standard over Beth-hakerem” — for destruction will come. A great nation will come from the north is foretold to bring destruction upon the people.
• Shepherds pitch tents around her; war preparations intensify. The invading force is described as cruel, armed with bow and spear, and riding horses like warriors. They threaten to destroy the palaces.

2.      Siege Upon the City of Oppression (6:6)

• Hashem advises the people to mourn and prepare for the plunderer.
• Hashem commands: “Cut trees and cast a siege mound on Jerusalem” — for oppression fills her midst.

3.      A Warning Against The sins of Israel (6:7-10)

• “As a well lets its water flow, so has she let her evil flow” — violence, spoil, sickness, and wounds abound.
• A warning: “Be corrected, O Jerusalem, lest My soul be alienated… lest I make you a desolation”.
• “They shall thoroughly glean like a vine the remnant of Israel” — judgment will be thorough.
• But “to whom shall I speak and warn?” — their ears are clogged, the word of Hashem is a disgrace to them.

4. Fury Unleashed (6:11-13)

• Hashem’s fury cannot be contained: “I will pour it out upon the babes… the young men… the old man”.
• “Their houses shall be turned over to others… for I will stretch out My hand”.
• Everyone is Guilty: “From smallest to greatest, all commit robbery… prophet to priest, all deal falsely”.

5. False Prophecies (6:14-15)

• They console their injury by having their false prophets state that there will be “Peace, peace,’ but there is no peace”.
• “These prophets shall be put to shame… but they do not know to feel disgrace” — they will fall among the slain.

6. Refusal to Listen – The Old Paths Rejected (6:16-20)

• Hashem pleads: “Stand on the roads… ask of the paths of old… go on it and find rest” — but they said, “We will not go”.
• “Hearken to the sound of the shofar” — but they said, “We will not hearken”.
• “Hearken, O nations… O earth… I bring evil to this people” — the fruit of their thoughts, for they rejected Hashem’s instruction.
• Rejection of their Ketores and Karbanos: Their sacrifices and offerings are deemed unacceptable by Hashem. “Why do I need frankincense from Sheba… your burnt offerings are not acceptable”.

7. Consequences of Rebellion (6:21-30)

• “I give this people stumbling blocks… fathers and sons shall stumble… neighbor and companion shall perish”.
• A Cruel Nation Approaches: “A people is coming from the northland… a great nation from the ends of the earth”. “They grasp bow and spear… cruel and without compassion… their voice roars like the sea”.
• Mourning and Lamentation: “O daughter of My people, gird yourself with sackcloth… roll in ashes… make yourself a mourning as for an only child”.
• “They are all extremely perverse… tale bearing like copper and iron… all destructive”.
• Refinement in Vain: “The bellows is heated… the lead consumed… in vain does the founder refine” — the wicked are not separated. “Refuse silver have men called them… for Hashem has rejected them”. [i.e. The punishments and prophecies of the Prophets do not refine them from their sin.]

Overview and Takeaway

The above chapter vividly depicts a time of impending judgment and sorrow. The chapter highlights how the people’s continued rebellion and rejection of Hashem’s guidance have led to severe consequences. The nations and the earth are called as witnesses to this rebellion, emphasizing the gravity and universality of the situation. Despite their religious offerings, the people’s insincerity renders their sacrifices unacceptable. Hashem warns that stumbling blocks will be placed before the people, leading to widespread suffering and loss across generations and communities.

A formidable and merciless nation from the north is foretold to descend upon the land, striking fear and helplessness among the inhabitants. The people are urged to mourn deeply, expressing grief as if for an only child, symbolizing the profound sense of loss they are to experience.

Furthermore, the people are described as having failed the test of righteousness—perversity, slander, and destruction are rampant, and repeated attempts at refinement and purification have proven futile. Ultimately, the passage concludes with the somber reality that these people have become “refuse silver,” rejected by Hashem because they persist in their wickedness despite all warnings and opportunities for repentance.