Prophecy to Achaz – Calamity or Consolation/2
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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.
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 – According to this approach, despite Yeshayahu's anger at Achaz for refusing a Divine sign, the prophet continues to promise Divine aid and encourage the king that he has nothing to fear from his enemies.
"יָבִיא י"י עָלֶיךָ... יָמִים אֲשֶׁר לֹא בָאוּ לְמִיּוֹם סוּר אֶפְרַיִם מֵעַל יְהוּדָה" – The words "יָבִיא י"י עָלֶיךָ" do not mean that calamity is to befall Yehuda, but rather that tumultuous events are to occur which will 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.
"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.
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.
