This Shabbat is called "Shabbat Chazon" after the beginning of the Haftarah, “Chazon Yeshayahu ben Amotz,” the "Vision of Yeshayahu, the son of Amotz.” Rashi explains the word “Chazon,” Vision, as the hardest, the most stringent of words introducing a prophetic message to a People, such as “Masa,” Burden, “Dvar HaShem,” the Word of HaShem, etc.
It is chanted to the same haunting melody as is “Megilat Eichah,” the Scroll of Lamentations written by the Prophet Yirmiyahu, who was an “eye-witness” to the Destruction. Yeshayahu was an “eye-witness” as well, but only in the mind’s eye of his prophetic vision. In the external reality, it hadn’t yet happened. It still could have been averted, if only the People would have repented.
It is chanted to the same haunting melody as is “Megilat Eichah,” the Scroll of Lamentations written by the Prophet Yirmiyahu, who was an “eye-witness” to the Destruction. Yeshayahu was an “eye-witness” as well, but only in the mind’s eye of his prophetic vision. In the external reality, it hadn’t yet happened. It still could have been averted, if only the People would have repented.
Yeshayahu (1:3)
“The ox knows its owner,
“The ox knows its owner,
And the donkey its owner’s trough;
But Israel does not know,
My People does not understand.”
The ox and the donkey are not subject to “reward and punishment;” yet, they perform their appointed tasks unquestioningly. But the People of Israel, who know or should know full well that they will be rewarded if they follow the Laws of the Torah, and will be punished if they don’t, refuse to obey the Commandments of My Torah. (RASHI)
My People does not understand.”
The ox and the donkey are not subject to “reward and punishment;” yet, they perform their appointed tasks unquestioningly. But the People of Israel, who know or should know full well that they will be rewarded if they follow the Laws of the Torah, and will be punished if they don’t, refuse to obey the Commandments of My Torah. (RASHI)
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