Sins of the Kingdom of Judah

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1. 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.

2. King Menashe – An Idolatrous Kingdom

   Rabbi Alex Israel

   Menashe introduces idolatry and bloodshed into Yehuda in ways previously unknown. He accepts complete Assyrian domination and sets the wheels of destruction and exile into motion. Sefer Melakhim ends the description of Menashe on this note. However, Divrei HaYamim describes Menashe being taken into captivity by the Assyrian general, praying to God, repenting, God returning him to his kingdom and Menashe removing the idolatry that he instituted. This enormous gap between the two stories shed light on the different agendas of the two books. Despite his repentance, Menashe's negative influence impacted beyond his reign, and specifically to his son Amon who followed in his evil ways.

3. Yirmiyahu 3-4

   Matan Al Haperek

   Rabbi David Sabato

   Perek 3 details prophecies relating to the repentance of both the northern and southern kingdoms, specifically criticizing the nation's insincere repentance during the reign of king Yoshiyanu. The continuation of the perek includes a vision of consolation including mention of the ingathering of the exiles, a perfected spiritual atmosphere, and the unification of the kingdom. The prophecies in this perek echo the rebuke in perek 2 through the use of similar phrases and imagery.

   In perek 4, Yirmiyahu envisions the sights and sounds of Yehuda's future destruction: the arrival of the enemy from the north which is compared to a lion (5-8, 12-13), the helpless response of Yerushalayim's leaders (9), and the destruction and abandonment of the land of Israel in the wake of the enemy takeover (23-29). Interwoven through these descriptions, are Yirmiyahu's pained reactions to the shocking images of his own prophecy.