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Chapter 7 of Yeshayahu opens a set of prophecies that were given at the time of King Achaz of Yehuda. This one is dated by Chazal as being in the 4th year of Achaz’s rule, which was a very significant one in the history of the First Temple period. Yerushalayim was attacked by joint forces of the Kingdom of Israel, led by King Pekach ben Remalyahu, and the Kingdom of Aram, led by King Retzin. The attack was not successful, but still the leadership of Judea "swayed (with fear) like a tree sways in the wind" (Yeshayahu 7:1-2).
The Middle East of that time was like a mixing bowl. The New Assyrian Empire was based in Ninveh, which was situated on the banks of the Tigris River (in Iraq of today), and was conquering region after region. Achaz decided to accept the dominion of the Assyrians. Pekach was part of a coalition with the Aramian Empire, which included 32 mini-kingdoms, which opposed the growing Assyrian threat. Pekach took on Achaz and was victorious, with the remnant of the Judean forces retreating to the fortifications of Yerushalayim. After being joined by Aram, the idea was to force Yehuda to accept a new king who would support the Aramaic coalition. Yeshayahu was sent to calm Achaz, and he also told Achaz that in 65 years, his rival kingdom (called here Ephrayim) would cease to exist.
What type of consolation is that his rival would be eliminated in another 65 years – that is a very long time? Therefore, the Ibn Ezra posits that the 65 years is to be counted from an earlier point. Rashi and the Radak explain that the 65 years was from the prophecy of Amos against Israel and Aram (Amos 1:4-5). According to both, the event was approximately 20 years from the time of Yeshayahu’s prophecy, in the sixth year of the reign of Achaz’s son, Chizkiyahu. But how was Amos’ prophecy supposed to calm Yehuda so far in advance?
In my book, Tzofnat Yeshayahu, Me’Uziya ad Achaz, p. 191, I explained that Yeshayahu was quoting the prophecy of Amos (Vayikra Rabba 6 says he also quoted the prophecy of Hoshea’s father). Amos’ exact prophecy was actually not recorded in his sefer, as those prophecies were dated from two years after the great earthquake. By the time this prophecy was cited, a relatively short time passed until the Assyrians started weakening the Aramites. The attack of the Assyrians actually forced Aram to retreat from Jerusalem and focus their forces on repelling the attack on them. This consoled and saved Achaz.
We will continue to see how Biblical dating of events follows its own system(s) and understanding them in the simplest way raises unnecessary surprise, as we will continue to discuss. In the meantime, we will continue to thank Hashem for the miracles that have occurred in past times and in our times.
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
