Shoftim Haftorah Isaiah 51:12–52:12

Shoftim Haftorah Isaiah 51:12–52:12

Isaiah reminds us that Hashem has stretched out the heavens at the top of this drawing and the earth at the bottom. Hashem stirs up the seas.  All physical existence is an expression of Hashem who has put words of truth, understanding and compassion in our mouths, here the 72 names of G-d. Yes, we have strayed and drunk from the dregs of the cup, symbolized by the inebriated woman whose own sons are laying in the streets, like a wild bull in a net.  They cannot help as they too are distracted.  But now this cup of fury is being poured on our attackers, to the left bottom of the cup.  We, Jerusalem, addressed as the feminine in the text specifically, here you see the city inside her body, we are told to loosen the chains of foolishness, and we can be redeemed.  Hashem let us escape Egypt, below left in the drawing.  Isaiah says how beautiful on the mountain are the feet of him who announces peace and brings good news.  Together we sing as we return to our connection to Hashem who returns to us.  Now we need not run but quietly approach the truth that Hashem is always here.