Neta Shapira

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1. Yeshayahu 1-2

   Matan Al HaPerek

   Neta Shapira

   Perek 1 of Yishayahu, read in synagogue as the haftara for Parshat Devarim, dramatically oscillates between rebuke and repentance, punishment and salvation, anger and forgiveness. This perek is surrounded by two introductory pesukim (1:1 and 2:1). Many commentators view this perek as a survey of the nation’s problematic religious behavior during the reigns of the four kings mentioned in pasuk 1. This perek thus serves as a representative summary of Yishayahu’s central prophetic messages.

2. Yeshayahu 3-4

   Matan Al HaPerek

   Neta Shapira

   In contrast with the universal prophecy which appears in perek 2, perakim 3-4 detail prophecies directly toward only Yehuda and Yerushalayim. The beginning of perek 3 (1-12) describes the unraveling of Yehuda’s leadership, bringing utter chaos and destruction to the kingdom. Following this section, the prophecy laments the moral corruption mentioned in previous chapters 13-15) and then includes another rebuke against the prideful and) haughty (16-25). This pride is not the pride of creativity mentioned in perek 2, but rather pride exhibited by pampered and overindulged .women who devote themselves to shallow pursuits of materialism. The rebuke is accompanied by a description of their fate: harsh destruction which will punish them measure for measure.

3. Yeshayahu 7-9

   Matan Al HaPerek

   Neta Shapira

   The series of prophecies in perakim 7-9:6 accompany King Ahaz during a critical political crossroads as Assyria dangerously threatens Israel’s national security. What does Yeshayahu demand of Ahaz? Why does Ahaz find it so difficult to comply? And what is Yishayahu's prophecy following the Assyrian conquest?

4. Yeshayahu 9-12

   Matan Al HaPerek

   Neta Shapira

   Though Assyria successfully conquered the Israeli Kingdom and significant portions of Yehuda, Yishayahu mocks the arrogance of Assyria and describes its downfall, describing a future of world peace and prosperity. The prophet sees the world returning to the state of the Garden of Eden, before Adam's sin. 

5. Yeshayahu 5-6

   Matan Al HaPerek

   Neta Shapira

   During Yeshayahu’s lifetime, one of the main sources of livelihood for the Kingdom of Yehuda was its lush vineyards. The prophet therefore utilizes wine-related imagery in his prophecies to attract the attention of his listeners and help them to identify with his messages. In the parable of the vineyard (1-7), Yeshayahu utilizes different rhetorical methods to convey God’s deep disappointment in the nation and to inform them of the severe consequences for their behavior. The perek then continues with a series of prophecies, all beginning with the word “Ah/Woe,” which fluctuate between rebuke and lament and which describe the nation’s adulterated distinctions between good and bad. The end of the perek prophesies the impending arrival of the great enemy. The Assyrian foe has yet to be mentioned by name, however its ominous shadow continues to approach the Kingdom of Yehuda.

6. Etapa de transición

   Neta Shapira