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Category: Noach

The Divine Marriage

B’reisheet (Genesis) 6:9-11:32 | Yesha’yahu (Isaiah) 54:1-55:5

There is an obvious connection between parashat Noach and this haftarah. In these verses God compares the covenant He made with Noach to the promises He is making with Israel. Just as God kept His word and has never sent such a rainy destruction upon the earth as He did in Noach’s days, so also will He keep His promises to be compassionate to His covenant people.

This covenant relationship between Israel, the wife, and God, the Husband, is explored with beautiful imagery. The Hebrew found in Isaiah 54:1 reflects its joyful message. God is imploring a woman who has never given birth to be hopeful and rejoice, instead of mourn. Isaiah begins with “shout joyfully.” It is the imperative form of the verb ranan, which denotes a woman who had every reason to be sorrowful but has now been given every reason to be extremely joyous.[1]

Who is the once barren woman? Most Jewish commentators say she is to be understood as Jerusalem, in particular, and the people of Israel in general. On the other hand, some evangelical scholars see beyond the people of Israel and attach somewhat of a spiritual meaning to this verse; the prophet is addressing the people of God… regardless of racial or national background. There is an element of truth to both interpretations. We see there is a spiritual remnant of Israel who loved God and needed the comfort and encouragement described. It is a part of a larger nation comprised of a great number who do not believe. This nation is kept alive for the sake of the remnant. The blessings described in this passage have to do with the national entity called “Israel.” The remnant called Israel, according to the Brit Chadasha, is comprised of those who are physically born Jews as well as those from the nations who are grafted into them.

Enlarge Your Tent!

Though hopeless and hapless through the centuries, Israel will have a day when she w...

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