Yeshaya 61-66
Perek Summaries:
Perek 61: Times of Moshaich, the simcha therein and punishment of the wicked. Thanksgiving to HaShem.
Perek 62: Yerushalayim being comforted and restored to its former spiritual glory.
Perek 63: HaShem’s destruction of Edom because of their persecution of Bnei Yisrael. HaShem’s constant kindness, and a plea for HaShem to make us close to Him again.
Perek 64: Knowledge of HaShem’s greatness. Confession of the spiritual depravity of the people.
Perek 65: Punishment of idolatry. Reward for those loyal to HaShem and punishment for those who are not. Peace to reign in times of Moshiach.
Perek 66: Punishment for insincere/corrupt service of HaShem. Redemption, Yerushalayim’s repopulation. Death of our enemies in the war of Gog and Magog, and the world will realise HaShem’s greatness via Bnei Yisrael’s victory in this war.
DVAR TORAH:
In 64:7, Yeshaya asks HaShem for forgiveness by exclaiming ‘and now HaShem you are our Father….’ The Metzudas David there explains that Yeshaya is saying ‘despite all of this (our sins), You are our Father and it is the way of a father to have mercy on his sons. This brings up a notable point. The Maharal points out that HaShem told Moshe to relay to Pharaoh that Bnei Yisrael are all considered ‘my son, firstborn, Israel;’ for just like a firstborn is unique and special, so too are all Bnei Yisrael unique, special, and created for a reason in HaShem’s eyes. HaShem being described as our Father means that there is an aspect of our identity that remains virtually untouched by what we do. That is the fact that we our children of HaShem and a Father wants their sons back. This is one explanation given as to why the section of the curses (should Bnei Yisrael misbehave) in parshas Bechukosai is followed by the section of donating one’s value in money to the Mikdash (erechin). The idea is that despite having behaved wrongly and disloyally, we are being told that we still have a value and worth; we are still HaShem’s People and can pick ourselves up again and behave like proper sons.
