The Tanakh Podcast

In today's podcast, we examine the fraught question of whether Isaiah is one single book or two separate works conjoined. We present a series of arguments which suggest that ch.39 is the close Isaiah's prophecies, and that ch.40-66 constitute a prophetic collection communicated in a post exilic, post-Hurban world, consoling the nation, and instilling the hope of a return to land, sovereignty and national flourishing. I have been assisted in preparing this shiur by a lecture from Rav Amnon Bazak. You can listen here: https://www.hatanakh.com/es/node/22655 Music. Avishai Cohen - Emotional Storm

Hezekiah is struck by a life-threatening illness. He is told he will die. But Hezekiah appeals to God, and 15 years are added to his life. In our chpater, we gain a window into Hizkiyahu's beautiful prayer of thanks to God; a prayer which is omitted from the parallel accounts in Kings and Chronicles.

The center stage of the drama of Ch.37 is the theme of blasphemy. God is assailed by Sannecherib and God will take action to defend His name.

The Assyrians have destroyed the major cities of Judah. Now their army advances to besiege Jerusalem. Our chapter offers us the speeches of the senior Assyrian official, named here Rav-Shakeh, and his psychological intimidation of the besieged people of Jerusalem.

This is a jubilant chapter of healing, redemption and joy: The desert blooms, illness and handicap are removed (possibly a spiritual metaphor), and God redeems and returns Israel from exile.

The rivalry and antagonism between Israel (Judah) and Edom, takes us back to Yaakov and Esav. In this period violence seems to have flared between the kingdoms. The prophet's ire might be directed to Edom in particular because of the expectation that they should act in a brotherly way.

Chapter 33 is a series of interlocking themes: the downfall of our enemies, God's salvation, justice, Jerusalem, but we shall focus one final theme: the definition of human worthiness.

Isaiah paints a vision of a national leadership that is dedicated to justice, and fostering a society of attentiveness, care for all, equity, law, kindness and fairness. The image of the impervious hedonistic upper-class is presented as a foil for the alternative, which is a public culture of peace, kindness and truth.

Isaiah advises Hezekiah to remain independent, and God will protect Israel: "Like a lion roars over its prey... like birds fly free." But can we simply rely on God and abandon human initiative? Is Isaiah's religious policy a reasonable one? In this article I quote: https://www.etzion.org.il/en/philosophy/great-thinkers/harav-aharon-lichtenstein/bittachon-trust-god

In chapter 30 and 31, Isaiah warms Hezekiah, in the lead-up to the Assyrian assault - not to forge alliances with Egypt. We will go into the biblical roots of this policy, and show that this instruction goes back to the very beginnings of Israelite nationhood.