Yirmiyahu (Jeremiah) commences this reading with a stern reminder to the House of David of the conditional nature of their relationship with Hashem (1 Melechim [Kings] 2:4): “…‘If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack … More Yirmiyahu 22–29

Yirmiyahu 13 opens last week’s reading with an analogy.  Yirmiyahu allows a brand new linen loin cloth to rot.  The loin cloth represents the house of Israel, which is placed close to the body much the way Hashem has kept Israel close to Himself.  But the house of Israel, especially the tribe of Yehudah, has … More Yirmiyahu 13-21

Yirmiyahu, in chapter 7, delivers a condemnation of Israel’s idolatry from the gates of the Temples.  Yet again, it is not enough to offer sacrifices, one must be faithful and just as well.  Neither the priests, nor the prophets, nor the people have done either, and idolatry has run rampant.  Given the times, it’s hardly … More Yirmiyahu 7-12

As we begin to examine the prophecies of Yirmiyahu (Jeremiah), we should start by examining the man himself.  Yirmiyahu began his prophecies during the reign of Yosiyahu (Josiah), and continued them into the Babylonian Exile.  Naturally, his writings chiefly concern the conquest of Yehudah (Judah) and the Exile. By trade, Yirmiyahu was not a trained, … More Yirmiyahu 1-6

There was a double parsha last week, so this week’s overview covers two weeks worth of reading.  This is also the final post on Yeshaiyahu. Chapters 46-54 continue on the theme of reminding the people of the ridiculousness of idolatry.  Idols may be captured and carried into captivity, but Hashem carries His people–even when they … More Yeshaiyahu 46-66

This week’s segment opens with Hizkiyahu’s distress at the Assyrian threat.  However, Yeshaiyahu reassures the court that the Assyrians’ plans will be thwarted by Divine intervention.  Indeed, Sencherev abandoned the siege of Jerusalem after being delayed by Taharqa (the Cushite king referred to in Yeshaiyahu 37 as Tirhaka).  Taharqa, in an effort to maintain, and … More Yeshaiyahu 37-45

Chapters 28-36 open with another condemnation of treacherous Ephraim, which had openly allied itself with the enemies of the sons of Yisrael.  But Yeshaiyahu gives the odd prophecy that the people will be returned to the Law–little by little–by a foreign people.  And the prophecy was realized.  First, Hizkiyahu implemented his reforms and purged Yehudah … More Yeshaiyahu 28-36

In the reign of Hizkiyahu, attempts were made to create a regional alliance (notably with Moav and Philistia, among others) and take on the big regional powers: Egypt and Assyria.  Chapter 19 is about Hizkiyahu’s attempt against Egypt.  The prophecy was averted, the battle failed.  Instead, Israel, Egypt, and Assyria all eventually found themselves held … More Yeshaiyahu 19-27

This week’s chunk of Yeshaiyahu continues on the theme of impending conquest.  The prophet directly identifies Assyria as the weapon of his wrath and the tool with which he will render justice.  But Hashem further warns that the King of Assyria will also grow arrogant in his conquest of the region, fancying himself the cause … More Yeshaiyahu 10-18