This Haftorah is the third Shabbat of the Telasa Dephuranusa, Aramaic for “The Three weeks of Tribulation” before Tisha B’av. In it are the prophecies of the suffering that will take place to the Israelites because of their sins and the forthcoming destruction of the Bait Hamikdash, Holy Temple and the City of Jerusalem because of their sins.
The storyline of this week’s Haftorah: The prophet Yishayahu (Isaiah) prophesied about the tragic condition of the State of Judah and the city of Jerusalem. Yishayahu begins his book by inquiring how and why Bnei Yisroel do not recognize Hashem as their master. He incredulously poses this rhetorical question as he says that even an ox can recognize his master. Bnei Yisroel’s sins of rebellion have left them badly beaten. They have yet to understand that Hashem is punishing them for their sins. Hashem appeals to the Jewish people to repent. They should stop with all their sacrifices and worshipping of other gods. Hashem tells Bnei Yisroel that they should learn to do good, seek justice, and support the oppressed. They should demand justice for the orphans and plead the cause of the widow. Hashem says “Repent! If you are bad, become good.” Once Bnei Yisroel becomes good, they will be much redeemed. Hashem warns them that the city of Jerusalem’s deterioration will lead only to Bnei Yisrael’s destruction. For the land will need to return to her pure state and Hashem will have to purify Jerusalem with fire.
