Haftarah Portion for 06/17/2023

In Isaiah 66:1-11, Yahweh declares that the heavens are his throne and the earth is his footstool. He questions the need for a physical house or resting place. Yahweh looks favorably upon those who are poor in spirit and tremble at his word. He condemns those who engage in rituals without true devotion, choosing their own ways and abominations. Yahweh will choose their punishments and bring their fears upon them. He calls upon those who tremble at his word to listen. Despite persecution, Yahweh will bring shame upon their enemies. Zion will give birth to her children, and Yahweh promises not to restrain delivery. Those who love Jerusalem should rejoice and find comfort and satisfaction in her. Isaiah chapter 66 verses 1 through 11 Thus said Yahweh, The heavens are my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is this house that you build for me, and where is this place of my rest? And all these my hand hath made, and all these that exist, declares Yahweh. Yet to such a one I look, on him who is poor and bruised of spirit, and who trembles at my word. But whoever slays the bull, strikes a man. Whoever slaughters the lamb, breaks a dog's neck. Whoever brings a grain offering, pigs blood. Whoever burns incense, blesses an idol. Indeed, they have chosen their ways, and their being delights in their abominations. I shall also choose their punishments, and bring their fears on them, because I called, but no one answered. I spoke, and they did not hear, and they did evil before my eyes, and chose what was displeasing to me. Hear the word of Yahweh, you who tremble at his word. Your brothers who hate you, who cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let Yahweh be esteemed, so that we see your joy. But they are put to shame. A roaring sound from the city, a voice from the hekkel, the voice of Yahweh, repaying his enemies. Before she labored, she gave birth. Before a pain came to her, she was delivered of a male child. Who has heard the like of this? Who has seen the like of these? Is a land brought forth in one day? Is a nation born at once? For as soon as Zion labored, she gave birth to her children. Shall I bring to birth, and not give delivery, says Yahweh? Shall I who give delivery, restrain birth, said your Elohim? Rejoice with Yerushalayim, and be glad with her, all you who love her. Rejoice greatly with her, all you who mourn for her, so that you feed and shall be satisfied with the breast of her comforts, so that you drink deeply, and shall delight yourselves in her overflowing esteem.