Difference between revisions of "Prophecy to Achaz – Calamity or Consolation/2"
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<mekorot>A. Chakham<fn>A. Chakham, Da'at Mikra Commentary to Sefer Yeshayahu (Jerusalem, 1984): 83-87. A. Chakham brings two readings for the unit, one in which he reads all the verses as being consolation, and one in which he reads them as rebuke.</fn></mekorot> | <mekorot>A. Chakham<fn>A. Chakham, Da'at Mikra Commentary to Sefer Yeshayahu (Jerusalem, 1984): 83-87. A. Chakham brings two readings for the unit, one in which he reads all the verses as being consolation, and one in which he reads them as rebuke.</fn></mekorot> | ||
<point><b>Single message</b> – One of the advantages of this approach is that it presents Yeshayahu as speaking about but one issue, with one unified message, throughout the chapter.  Everything the prophet says relates to the downfall of Aram and Israel.</point> | <point><b>Single message</b> – One of the advantages of this approach is that it presents Yeshayahu as speaking about but one issue, with one unified message, throughout the chapter.  Everything the prophet says relates to the downfall of Aram and Israel.</point> | ||
− | <point><b>"Butter and honey"</b> – In both verses 15 and 21, the eating of "fat and honey" is considered a blessing.  After Aram and Israel are defeated, the cattle will give forth so much milk that butter will be made from the leftovers.  | + | <point><b>Anger regarding the sign</b></point> |
+ | <point><b>"Butter and honey"</b> – In both verses 15 and 21, the eating of "fat and honey" is considered a blessing.  After Aram and Israel are defeated, the cattle will give forth so much milk that butter will be made from the leftovers.  This positive understanding of the image is supported by its similarity to the phrase "אֶרֶץ זָבַת חָלָב וּדְבָשׁ", a description which consistently has a positive connotation in Tanakh.</point> | ||
+ | <point><b>"יָבִיא י"י עָלֶיךָ... יָמִים אֲשֶׁר לֹא בָאוּ לְמִיּוֹם סוּר אֶפְרַיִם מֵעַל יְהוּדָה"</b> – This verse speaks of tumultuous events which are to occur and affect Yehuda, but for the good. Yeshayahu prophesies that Assyria is to decimate and exile Ephraim, an event which will be similar in gravity to the split of the kingdom.</point> | ||
+ | <point><b>Flies of Egypt and Bees of Assyria</b> – This approach reads both images to refer to the vast, swarming army of Assyria, who will fall upon Aram and Israel.</point> | ||
+ | <point><b>"תַעַר הַשְּׂכִירָה"</b> – Assyria is likened to a "razor" as it is about to raze the lands of Aram and Israel until not a hair is left.</point> | ||
+ | <point><b>Description of destruction in verses 23-24</b></point> | ||
</opinion> | </opinion> | ||
<opinion>Both the Aramean-Israelite and the Assyrian Threat | <opinion>Both the Aramean-Israelite and the Assyrian Threat |
Version as of 04:14, 30 August 2018
Prophecy of Calamity or Consolation?
Exegetical Approaches
Consolation
Yeshayahu's words constitute a prophecy of consolation and encouragement. This approach subdivides regarding the event about which Achaz is being comforted:
Only the Aramean-Israelite Threat
All of Yeshayahu's words relate to the threat posed by the Aramean-Israelite alliance. Yeshayahu tells Achaz that he need not worry since both countries are soon to be destroyed by Assyria.
Sources:A. Chakham1
Single message – One of the advantages of this approach is that it presents Yeshayahu as speaking about but one issue, with one unified message, throughout the chapter. Everything the prophet says relates to the downfall of Aram and Israel.
Anger regarding the sign
"Butter and honey" – In both verses 15 and 21, the eating of "fat and honey" is considered a blessing. After Aram and Israel are defeated, the cattle will give forth so much milk that butter will be made from the leftovers. This positive understanding of the image is supported by its similarity to the phrase "אֶרֶץ זָבַת חָלָב וּדְבָשׁ", a description which consistently has a positive connotation in Tanakh.
"יָבִיא י"י עָלֶיךָ... יָמִים אֲשֶׁר לֹא בָאוּ לְמִיּוֹם סוּר אֶפְרַיִם מֵעַל יְהוּדָה" – This verse speaks of tumultuous events which are to occur and affect Yehuda, but for the good. Yeshayahu prophesies that Assyria is to decimate and exile Ephraim, an event which will be similar in gravity to the split of the kingdom.
Flies of Egypt and Bees of Assyria – This approach reads both images to refer to the vast, swarming army of Assyria, who will fall upon Aram and Israel.
"תַעַר הַשְּׂכִירָה" – Assyria is likened to a "razor" as it is about to raze the lands of Aram and Israel until not a hair is left.
Description of destruction in verses 23-24
Both the Aramean-Israelite and the Assyrian Threat
Rebuke
Yeshayahu's words constitute a rebuke to Achaz for not trusting in Hashem's promise that He will aid Yehuda. Achaz is told that, as a punishment, Assyria will smite not only Aram and Israel, but Yehuda as well.