Yeshayahu 1-2

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.