Summary of Haftarat Shoftim
Isaiah 51:12-52:12
The haftarah for Shabbat Shoftim is the fourth is a series of seven successive haftarah readings that follow the fast of Av and the anniversary of the destruction of Jerusalem. The Seven Consolation, each drawn from Isaiah’s Book of Consolations (Isaiah 40-66), offer words of comfort to Zion and promises of future redemption. Each one prophesies the return from exile, Zion’s restoration, and ultimately, the Messianic kingdom of heaven on earth.
First Consolation (Va’etchanan): Isaiah 40:1-16
Second Consolation (Ekev) Isaiah 49:14-51:3
Third Consolation ( Re’eh): Isaiah 54:11-55:5
Fourth Consolation ( Shoftim): Isaiah 51:12-52:12
Fifth Consolation ( Ki Tete): Isaiah 54:1-10
Sixth Consolation (Ki Tov): Isaiah 60:1-22
Seventh Consolation (Nitzavim): Isaiah 61:10-63:9
Haftarat Shoftim, the fourth of the Seven Consolations, begins with the LORD’s declaration, “I, even I, who comforts you” (51:12) and goes on to declare an end to the exile and freedom for the captives. Though Jerusalem has drunk from the cup of the LORD’s wrath, the prophet tells her to rouse herself and shake off the effects of the draught. The LORD has taken the cup from her hand and given it into the hands of the nations that have oppressed her.
The prophet tells Jerusalem to awaken herself, raise herself from the dust, and clothe herself in beautiful garments because the LORD will restore her. Foreigners will no longer invade her or defile her Sanctuary. The LORD’s name is blasphemed among the nations because His people are in exile. He never sold or exchanged his people, therefore He can take them back at will. When He does, heralds of the good news will carry the word to Zion. The prophets will rejoice, and the LORD will reveal His salvation before the nations. He calls the exiles to come out of Babylon as He brought them out from Egypt as in the days of Moses.
From FFOZ Voice of the Prophets
Ffoz.org