Isaiah 60:1 – 60:22
This Haftarah is all about the Final Redemption, the Final Future Entering of the Land as per the Parashah for this week: Moses’s admonitions before the Entering of the Land in the 1st Exodus through the ‘Gate Posts’ of Mt Eval (Mt of Curses) and Har Bracha (Mt of Blessings). This Haftarah is one of the 7 Condolences to encourage the Nation after the negative outfall of Tisha B’Av, to bring them to the Ultimate Final Future Entrance as depicted by the Festive Period of Rosh HaShanah, Yom Kippur and Succot at the conclusion of the 7 weeks of Condolences.
This Festive Season points to the Time when the People of the Land will return and receive ‘eternal Excellency’ (v. 1-3,15). Although this chapter is hailed to apply to the Mashiach, there is NO ref. to a ‘Mashiach’ in this entire chapter. HaShem is the spokesman right through and every Action of Redemption in this chapter is claimed by HaShem to be done by Himself – to the acknowledgement of His People and the Nations (v5,16).
Verse 13 emphasizes His Personal Presence (as the Returned Shechinah?) and refers to “the place of My feet” [ מְקוֹם רַגְלַי ] which will be made glorious by the honours paid by His People and the Nations bringing their wealth and Gifts of Glory (v6,7,9,11).
We are now standing before this Culmination of the Ages when HaShem will be glorified and proven true to His Promises.
Please read here: The Light of the Future and Joining with the Non-Jews: Two Important Themes
Independent research scholar. He works tirelessly as an activist promoting Israel and settlement of the Land of Israel, and as Webmaster and co-ordinator of Kol HaTor. Read More.
