This is a special series on the weekly Haftara, the portion from Prophets that corresponds with the weekly reading from the Bible.
In the weeks following Tisha B’Av, we enter a period known as the “Seven Weeks of Comfort.” During this time, we read Haftorot or portions from the prophets that offer solace and hope to the Jewish people. The Haftorah for the Torah portion of Re’eh, is taken from the book of Isaiah. It is particularly poignant in its message of comfort and of course, it is both relevant to Jews and Christians alike.
Isaiah’s words resonate with a powerful metaphor:
This verse, along with another from Isaiah 21:14:
presents us with an intriguing question: Should we wait for the thirsty to approach the water, or should we bring the water to them?
The sages offer a profound interpretation of this metaphor. In this context, water represents the Bible – the wellspring of divine wisdom and guidance. The thirst symbolizes the innate longing every soul has for spiritual nourishment and a life of purpose.
One interpretation of this provides a nuanced understanding of these verses. When Isaiah calls for the thirsty to come to the water, Isaiah is referring to those who are disengaged or unaware of their spiritual thirst. Conversely, when he instructs us to bring water to the thirsty, he speaks of those who are already passionate and enthusiastic about their spiritual journey.
This interpretation offers a powerful lesson in education and outreach. Expanding on this idea however, we also need to be mindful of forcefully imposing the Bible upon the uninitiated. Such an approach, the sages warn, may lead to rejection and aversion.
Instead, for those who are disengaged or unaware, the most effective approach is to demonstrate the beauty and majesty of a Bible-centered life. By allowing individuals to discover and embrace these values on their own terms, we ensure a deeper, more lasting connection. Once a person shows enthusiasm and readiness, then we can “shower” them with biblical teachings, knowing they are receptive and eager to absorb its wisdom.
This wisdom is particularly comforting as we navigate the challenges of modern life. In an age where individuals, especially the younger generation, seek logical explanations and personal relevance in their spiritual practices, this approach offers a path forward. Rather than imposing traditions through authority, we are called to showcase the richness and appeal of our heritage, allowing others to recognize its value and choose it for themselves.
The message of Isaiah, therefore, is one of profound comfort. It reassures us that the eternal truths of the Bible have the power to quench spiritual thirst, but it also guides us in how to share these truths effectively. This approach honors the free will and intellectual curiosity of individuals, inviting them to discover the waters of wisdom for themselves.
For both Jews and Christians, this message resonates deeply. While our traditions may differ in some aspects, we share a common heritage in the teachings of the Hebrew Bible. The call to approach wisdom with enthusiasm and to share it with sensitivity speaks to universal human experiences of spiritual seeking and growth.
Ultimately, we are reminded that true comfort comes not just from the message of extending Bible education, but from how we actually internalize and share it with others.
May we all find comfort in these words of Isaiah, and may we be inspired to both seek wisdom ourselves and share it wisely with others, creating a world where the waters of the Bible refresh and revitalize all who approach them.
The Hebrew Bible is a very big book – actually, 24 books, to be exact. Studying it can feel very overwhelming. Where do you start?
Israel Bible Plus takes the stress out of Bible study, allowing you to focus on the most important task at hand: the Bible itself. Click here to bring even more Bible into your life!
