Today, we begin exploring the less familiar and studied section of Tanakh: Nevi’im Achronim. The style of these books differs significantly from what we have encountered so far. Whereas the Nevi’im Rishonom are framed primarily within historical contexts, using narrative and prose, Nevi’im Achronim focus on prophetic discourses and the documentation of God's words to the people as conveyed by the prophets.

Chapter 1 of Yeshayahu is one of the most renowned in the prophetic texts, centering on a dramatic reordering of religious values. While the Israelites believe that the focus of religious worship lies in the Temple and sacrifices, Yeshayahu rebukes them for their social sins, declaring that when morality is corrupted, God rejects even the rituals performed in the Temple.

Here are a few key themes that arise in this chapter:

1. The Time Period of Yeshayahu and Chapter 1: The book opens with a heading indicating that Yeshayahu’s prophecy spans from the reign of Uziyahu to Hizkiyahu. However, the timing of Chapter 1 raises several questions. For instance:1) In Chapter 6, we encounter what some interpret as Yeshayahu's commission as a prophet. Thus, some commentators and scholars argue that Chapter 6 is actually Yeshayahu’s first prophecy. 2) The harsh description of Jerusalem’s state—“Only daughter Zion stands like the watchman’s shack in a vineyard, like the hut in a cucumber field” (1:8)—does not align well with the reigns of Uziyahu, Yotam, or Ahaz. Therefore, many suggest that Chapter 1 (or parts of it) was delivered during Hizkiyahu’s reign, the last king Yeshayahu prophesied about. This raises the question: why does this chapter appear first? It seems that Chapter 1 serves as an overarching introduction to the themes of Yeshayahu’s prophecy.

2. The Concept of Sacrifices: The prophetic critique of sacrifices, which is nuanced and at times seemingly negative, appears elsewhere in Tanakh. See, for example: Shmuel I 15:22, Amos 5, Tehillim 51, Hoshea 6:6, Mikha 6, and Yirmeyahu 7:22–23. Guiding Questions: Is the critique directed at sacrifices themselves, or at the people's overall behavior? Why does the critique link these two issues? Under what circumstances are sacrifices acceptable or unacceptable?

3. The Role of Jerusalem: Yeshayahu expresses profound disappointment with Jerusalem. “How like a whore is she now, the faithful metropolis. How full she was of justice once; righteousness lodged with her, now murderers” (1:21) – the city, once seen as a model of justice and righteousness, has become a symbol of rampant corruption: “Your silver has turned into dross, your wine is watered down, your ministers are wayward, friends to thieves, loving corruption, all of them, chasing bribes” (1:22–23). Interestingly, the prophecy's focus is not on the people but the city itself, highlighting the expectations placed upon it and the resulting disappointment. Yeshayahu continues with a vision of Jerusalem’s eventual restoration: “And then you shall be called Righteous City, Faithful Metropolis” (1:26).

This point is intriguing for two reasons:

- Yeshayahu’s rebuke, emphasizing that God’s will prioritizes morality and righteousness over ritual, does not diminish Jerusalem's importance. Instead, it sharpens its role: Jerusalem's primary purpose is to serve as a moral beacon.

- In the following chapter, we will see how Jerusalem’s destined role as a beacon extends to all nations.

4. Comparison to Sedom: The chapter draws several comparisons between Yehuda’s moral state and that of Sedom and Amora. Pay attention to the wordplay and concepts surrounding this theme throughout the chapter.

The themes of Jerusalem’s status and moral conditions will continue to accompany us throughout our study of Yeshayahu. The question of which historical period to attribute specific prophecies to is a recurring challenge in Nevi’im Achronim. Sometimes, satisfactory answers emerge; at other times, uncertainty remains.

Attached are three brief shiurim by Rav Yuval Cherlow:

1. On the themes of Chapter 1 and its reordering of religious values: https://youtu.be/PTWeUm1Mt2I.

2. On the historical background of the prophecy in Chapter 1 and its significance: https://youtu.be/h7EKJQKrgmY.

3. On the relationship and hierarchy between morality and religiosity (in its classical sense), including a response by Rav Yaaqov Medan: https://youtu.be/0-YeQW_sCEE.