Difference between revisions of "Prophecy to Achaz – Calamity or Consolation/2"
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<p>Yeshayahu tells Achaz that he has nothing to fear from Aram and Israel, since Assyria is soon to ravage both countries.  Though Assyria will invade Yehuda as well, Yehuda will survive and Sancheriv's army will be defeated.</p> | <p>Yeshayahu tells Achaz that he has nothing to fear from Aram and Israel, since Assyria is soon to ravage both countries.  Though Assyria will invade Yehuda as well, Yehuda will survive and Sancheriv's army will be defeated.</p> | ||
<mekorot>Ibn Balaam, <multilink><a href="RashiYeshayahu7-15-25" data-aht="source">Rashi</a><a href="RashiYeshayahu7-15-25" data-aht="source">Yeshayahu 7:15-25</a><a href="R. Shelomo Yitzchaki (Rashi)" data-aht="parshan">About R. Shelomo Yitzchaki</a></multilink>, <multilink><a href="IbnEzraYeshayahu7-15-25" data-aht="source">Ibn Ezra</a><a href="IbnEzraYeshayahu7-15-25" data-aht="source">Yeshayahu 7:15-25</a><a href="R. Avraham ibn Ezra" data-aht="parshan">About R. Avraham ibn Ezra</a></multilink>, <multilink><a href="RadakYeshayahu7-15-25" data-aht="source">Radak</a><a href="RadakYeshayahu7-15-25" data-aht="source">Yeshayahu 7:15-25</a><a href="R. David Kimchi (Radak)" data-aht="parshan">About R. David Kimchi</a></multilink>, Abarbanel</mekorot> | <mekorot>Ibn Balaam, <multilink><a href="RashiYeshayahu7-15-25" data-aht="source">Rashi</a><a href="RashiYeshayahu7-15-25" data-aht="source">Yeshayahu 7:15-25</a><a href="R. Shelomo Yitzchaki (Rashi)" data-aht="parshan">About R. Shelomo Yitzchaki</a></multilink>, <multilink><a href="IbnEzraYeshayahu7-15-25" data-aht="source">Ibn Ezra</a><a href="IbnEzraYeshayahu7-15-25" data-aht="source">Yeshayahu 7:15-25</a><a href="R. Avraham ibn Ezra" data-aht="parshan">About R. Avraham ibn Ezra</a></multilink>, <multilink><a href="RadakYeshayahu7-15-25" data-aht="source">Radak</a><a href="RadakYeshayahu7-15-25" data-aht="source">Yeshayahu 7:15-25</a><a href="R. David Kimchi (Radak)" data-aht="parshan">About R. David Kimchi</a></multilink>, Abarbanel</mekorot> | ||
− | <point><b>Relationship between parts of the chapter</b> – | + | <point><b>Relationship between parts of the chapter</b> – According to these sources, Yeshayahu relays a dual message in the chapter.  Though he initially deals with Achaz' current worry, the alliance of Aram and Israel, he then changes focus to speak of upcoming dangers, and the salvation from them. At first glance, one might question the relevance of the latter and why Yeshayahu would raise yet another event for Achaz to worry about. One could respond that Yeshayahu is simply putting Achaz's fears in perspective, and pointing out that even a far greater threat will end in salvation.</point> |
− | <point><b>Mix of comfort and woe</b> – | + | <point><b>Mix of comfort and woe</b> – Though the prophecy as a whole is one of consolation and reassurance, Yeshayahu notes that devastation will precede the period of prosperity.  This explains the mixed imagery of the chapter.</point> |
− | <point><b>"יָבִיא י"י עָלֶיךָ... אֵת מֶלֶךְ אַשּׁוּר"</b> – These sources understand this verse to mean that Yehuda, too, will be attacked by Assyria. Yeshayahu tells Achaz that though he has nothing to fear from Aram and Israel, he should worry about Assyria. He will be plagued by Tiglat Pilesser, and his son, Chizkiyahu,<fn>Radak | + | <point><b>"יָבִיא י"י עָלֶיךָ... אֵת מֶלֶךְ אַשּׁוּר"</b> – These sources understand this verse to mean that Yehuda, too, will be attacked by Assyria. Yeshayahu tells Achaz that though he has nothing to fear from Aram and Israel, he should worry about a different threat, Assyria. He will be plagued by Tiglat Pilesser, and his son, Chizkiyahu, will be by attacked by Sancheriv.<fn>This explains why the prophet says that hardship is to come both "עָלֶיךָ" and "עַל בֵּית אָבִיךָ". Radak explains that the prophet says "וְעַל בֵּית אָבִיךָ" rather than "על בנך" out of respect to Chizkiyahu who did not follow in the evil ways of his father.</fn></point> |
<point><b>"יָמִים אֲשֶׁר לֹא בָאוּ לְמִיּוֹם סוּר אֶפְרַיִם מֵעַל יְהוּדָה"</b> – Yeshayahu compares the attack of Sancheriv to the split of the kingdom to emphasize the enormity of the danger and devastation.  This is the first time since the split that Yehuda will find herself in such dire straits, with the potential to lose her land.</point> | <point><b>"יָמִים אֲשֶׁר לֹא בָאוּ לְמִיּוֹם סוּר אֶפְרַיִם מֵעַל יְהוּדָה"</b> – Yeshayahu compares the attack of Sancheriv to the split of the kingdom to emphasize the enormity of the danger and devastation.  This is the first time since the split that Yehuda will find herself in such dire straits, with the potential to lose her land.</point> | ||
− | <point><b>Flies and bees</b></point> | + | <point><b>Flies and bees</b> – Rashi and Abarbanel suggest that Egypt is mentioned alongside Assyria since they were to join forces and attack Yehuda together.  This, however, is difficult from Melakhim which presents Yehuda as relying on Egypt's aid against Assyria, suggesting that Egypt and Assyria were on opposing sides during Sancheriv's campaign.</point> |
− | <point><b>"תַעַר הַשְּׂכִירָה"</b> – These sources do not identify the "תַעַר הַשְּׂכִירָה" with Assyria, but rather present Yeshayahu as saying that Hashem will use his "blade" to raze Assyria.  They suggest that the verse refers to the angel and plague which decimated Sancheriv's army and caused him to retreat. As such, this verse represents the turning point in the prophecy, introducing the consolation.  Though Assyria is to attack, Yehuda | + | <point><b>"תַעַר הַשְּׂכִירָה"</b> – These sources do not identify the "תַעַר הַשְּׂכִירָה" with Assyria, but rather present Yeshayahu as saying that Hashem will use his "blade" to raze Assyria.  They suggest that the verse refers to the angel and plague which decimated Sancheriv's army and caused him to retreat. As such, this verse represents the turning point in the prophecy, introducing the consolation.  Though Assyria is to attack, it will be defeated and Yehuda will be saved.</point> |
<point><b>"Butter and honey"</b> – According to these sources, the image in both verses 15 and 22 can refer to the same blessing. Ibn Ezra, Radak and Abarbanel explain that in the aftermath of Sancheriv's campaign the surviving righteous will be able to subsist on even a single calf or two sheep since they will be so productive. The milk will be so abundant that they will dismiss it and drink only of the fat. [Alternatively, they will have no choice but to make butter from the leftovers.]</point> | <point><b>"Butter and honey"</b> – According to these sources, the image in both verses 15 and 22 can refer to the same blessing. Ibn Ezra, Radak and Abarbanel explain that in the aftermath of Sancheriv's campaign the surviving righteous will be able to subsist on even a single calf or two sheep since they will be so productive. The milk will be so abundant that they will dismiss it and drink only of the fat. [Alternatively, they will have no choice but to make butter from the leftovers.]</point> | ||
<point><b>"לַשָּׁמִיר וְלַשַּׁיִת יִהְיֶה"</b> – These sources struggle to find the message of consolation in verses 23-25, and are forced to interpret the verses against their simple sense:<br/> | <point><b>"לַשָּׁמִיר וְלַשַּׁיִת יִהְיֶה"</b> – These sources struggle to find the message of consolation in verses 23-25, and are forced to interpret the verses against their simple sense:<br/> | ||
<ul> | <ul> | ||
− | <li>Rashi asserts that the verse suggests that all the vineyards will be overgrown with thorns because the generation of Chizkiyahu will be busy learning Torah and scorn wine.  In the hills, in contrast, there will be no fear of bramble (לֹא תָבוֹא שָׁמָּה יִרְאַת שָׁמִיר וָשָׁיִת). The land there will be worked to produce grain | + | <li>Rashi asserts that the verse suggests that all the vineyards will be overgrown with thorns because the generation of Chizkiyahu will be busy learning Torah and scorn wine.  In the hills, in contrast, there will be no fear of bramble (לֹא תָבוֹא שָׁמָּה יִרְאַת שָׁמִיר וָשָׁיִת).<fn>The simple sense of the phrase is actually the opposite: no one will go there out of fear of the thorns and briers.</fn> The land there will be worked to produce grain and provide pasture for animals.</li> |
− | <li>Radak suggests to read verse 23-24 as if inverted: all the sites which today are full of bramble, and to which one will only approach with bow and arrow, will be filled with valuable vines. | + | <li>Radak suggests to read verse 23-24 as if inverted: all the sites which today are full of bramble, and to which one will only approach with bow and arrow, will be filled with valuable vines.<fn>Shadal raises the obvious objection, such a reading appears unfair to the text.</fn></li> |
− | <li>Finally, Abarbanel asserts that verses 23-24 | + | <li>Finally, Abarbanel asserts that verses 23-24 depict the situation during Sancheriv's campaign, while verse 25 represents the promise of what will happen in its aftermath. Even the hilly land (normally home to robbers) will be worked, and there will be no fear of barreness.  Due to the peacefu climate, the areas will be open to roaming oxen and sheep.</li> |
</ul></point> | </ul></point> | ||
</opinion> | </opinion> |
Version as of 12:50, 3 September 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:
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.
- Blessing of prosperity – In both verses 15 and 22, the eating of "butter and honey" is a metaphor for blessings which will benefit Yehuda. Yeshayahu declares that after Aram and Israel are defeated, the cattle of the Judeans8 will give forth so much milk that butter will be made from the leftovers. This positive understanding of the image might be supported by its similarity to the phrase "אֶרֶץ זָבַת חָלָב וּדְבָשׁ", a description which consistently has a positive connotation in Tanakh.
- Prosperity and desolation – Alternatively, while the image in verse 15 connotes blessing, in verse 22 the excessive butter signifies the desolation in Aram and Israel. Yeshayahu tells Achaz that due to the Assyrian invasion, all agricultural produce in his enemies' countries will be ruined, so that the refugees from war will have only milk to consume. According to this reading, everything in verses 18-25 refers to the destruction which will take place in Aram and Israel.9 The prophet might intentionally uses the same image in contrasting ways because the desolation brought to Yehuda's enemies is what will allow Achaz' own land to thrive.
Both the Aramean-Israelite and the Assyrian Threat
Yeshayahu tells Achaz that he has nothing to fear from Aram and Israel, since Assyria is soon to ravage both countries. Though Assyria will invade Yehuda as well, Yehuda will survive and Sancheriv's army will be defeated.
- Rashi asserts that the verse suggests that all the vineyards will be overgrown with thorns because the generation of Chizkiyahu will be busy learning Torah and scorn wine. In the hills, in contrast, there will be no fear of bramble (לֹא תָבוֹא שָׁמָּה יִרְאַת שָׁמִיר וָשָׁיִת).12 The land there will be worked to produce grain and provide pasture for animals.
- Radak suggests to read verse 23-24 as if inverted: all the sites which today are full of bramble, and to which one will only approach with bow and arrow, will be filled with valuable vines.13
- Finally, Abarbanel asserts that verses 23-24 depict the situation during Sancheriv's campaign, while verse 25 represents the promise of what will happen in its aftermath. Even the hilly land (normally home to robbers) will be worked, and there will be no fear of barreness. Due to the peacefu climate, the areas will be open to roaming oxen and sheep.
Rebuke
Yeshayahu's words constitute a rebuke to Achaz for not trusting in Hashem's promise that He will aid Yehuda. As punishment for seeking human assistance, Achaz is told that Assyria will smite not only Aram and Israel, but Yehuda as well.
- Tiglat Pilesser's invasion – According to Shadal, Yeshayahu is speaking of Tiglat Pilesser, who attacked not only Aram and Israel but Yehuda as well. As Divrei HaYamim shares, "וַיָּבֹא עָלָיו תִּלְּגַת פִּלְנְאֶסֶר מֶלֶךְ אַשּׁוּר וַיָּצַר לוֹ וְלֹא חֲזָקוֹ".
- Sancheriv's campaign – R"E of Beaugency, in contrast, assumes that Yeshayahu is referring to Sancheriv's campaign against Yehuda in the time of Chizkiyahu. The prophet speaks of a future rather than immediate punishment.14
- Turning to Aram – In Divrei HaYamim II 16, when Asa seeks Aram's help against Basha, he is rebuked by the prophet Chanani, "בְּהִשָּׁעֶנְךָ עַל מֶלֶךְ אֲרָם וְלֹא נִשְׁעַנְתָּ עַל י"י אֱלֹהֶיךָ עַל כֵּן נִמְלַט חֵיל מֶלֶךְ אֲרָם מִיָּדֶךָ".15
- Turning to Egypt – Yeshayahu speaks out against going to Egypt for aid in Yeshayahu 20 and Yeshayahu 31:1-3, promising "וּמִצְרַיִם אָדָם וְלֹא אֵל וְסוּסֵיהֶם בָּשָׂר וְלֹא רוּחַ וַי"י יַטֶּה יָדוֹ וְכָשַׁל עוֹזֵר וְנָפַל עָזֻר וְיַחְדָּו כֻּלָּם יִכְלָיוּן".
- Turning to Bavel – Chizkiyahu's showing of his treasures to Merodakh Baladan of Bavel has been understood as an attempt to join an alliance against Assyria.16 Yeshayahu reacts in anger, warning Chizkiyahu, "הִנֵּה יָמִים בָּאִים וְנִשָּׂא כׇּל אֲשֶׁר בְּבֵיתֶךָ וַאֲשֶׁר אָצְרוּ אֲבֹתֶיךָ עַד הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה בָּבֶלָה".
- Era of Achaz – Chizkiyahu says of his father's reign: "וַיְהִי קֶצֶף י"י עַל יְהוּדָה וִירוּשָׁלִָם וַיִּתְּנֵם [לְזַעֲוָה] (לזועה) לְשַׁמָּה וְלִשְׁרֵקָה" (Divrei haYamim II 29:8).,.
- Era of Chizkiyahu –