Haftarot of Consolation www.returnoftheremnant.com

What are they? The “Haftarah’s (Haftarot) of Consolation” are an ancient sage teaching that coincide with the 7 consecutive Shabbats that lead up to Yom Teruah “Feast of Trumpets” (Leviticus 23:24), or also commonly called “Rosh Hashanah” in Judaism. The Haftarah’s are taken out of the book of Isaiah and are read along with the Torah portions from the book of Deuteronomy starting in Chapter 3:23 and ending in Chapter 30:20.

The following Haftarah portions are read in the following order in conjunction with that particular weekly Torah reading:

The Homiletic message of the Haftarah’s of consolation: Contained in the Haftorah readings is a homiletic message. Taking the first verse out of each selected reading tells a story, or rather, a prophetic message. The Homiletic message of the Haftarah’s of consolation: 1. Comfort ye comfort ye my people (Isa 40:1). 2. But Zion said YHWH has forsaken me and YHWH has forgotten me (Isa 49:14). 3. O afflicted one, storm tossed and not comforted (Isa 54:11). 4. I, even I am the one who comforts you (Isa 51:12). 5. Sing, O barren, you who did not bear; break forth into singing (Isa 54:1). 6. Arise, shine for your light has come (Isa 60:1). 7. I will greatly rejoice in YHWH, my soul shall be joyful in my Elohim; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation… (Isa 61:10).

The underlying theme in this homiletic message is clear: The consolation of Israel and the redemption of Jerusalem (Zion). These are comforting words to those who love and embrace our Heavenly Father- His Word and His Son, Messiah Yeshua!

Along with the “Haftarot of Consolation”, there are three Shabbatot (plural for Sabbaths/Shabbats) that deserve special mention. These Shabbatot have special Haftarah readings which begin before, during, and after the “Haftarot of Consolation”. They are Shabbat Chazon (Sabbath of Vision), Shabbat Nachamu (Sabbath of Consolation/ Comforting), and Shabbat Shuvah (Sabbath of Return/ Repentance).

Shabbat Chazon refers to the prophet Isaiah’s vision of the destruction of the Holy Temple (Isaiah 1:1-27). The structure of the annual Torah reading cycle lines up this Haftorah reading with the Torah reading of Devarim (Deuteronomy) 1:1-3:22 which will occur on the Shabbat before Tisha B’Av, a traditional fast day regarding the destruction of the Temple. This occurs one week prior to the seven weekly “Haftarah’s of Consolation” Sabbaths and is also referred to as the “Black Sabbath”, being the saddest Shabbat of the year.

Shabbat Nachamu is the Sabbath that begins the first of the seven Haftarah’s following Shabbat Chazon and leading up to Yom Teruah (Rosh Hoshana). Isaiah 40:1-26 is read in which YHWH speaks words of comfort for His people. Capernaum = Kaphar-Nachum Kaphar – (protected) village, root= atonement Nachum – comfort, compassion, consolation

Shabbat Shuvah occurs between Yom Teruah and Yom Kippur (occurs during the “Ten days of Awe/ repentance”) and precedes the last fall festival of Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles). This Sabbath is named after the first word of the Haftarah (Hosea 14:2-10) and literally means "Return!" (Shuva). It is a time of reflection leading up to Yom Kippur, the “Day of Atonement”. How does Messiah fit into the consolation of Israel and the redemption of Jerusalem?

Luke 2:21 – Yeshua given his name on the 8th day after his circumcision (Brit Milah) Luke 2:22-23 – After the days of Purification were completed Yosef and Miriam brought Yeshua to the Temple in Jerusalem to present him to YHWH (Leviticus 12:2-8). Yeshua as YHWH’s first born was also redeemed – [Luke 2:23] (Numbers 18:14-17, Nehemiah 10:36). The redemption price according to Torah is 5 shekels (from a month old). Luk 2:22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to YHWH; Luk 2:23 (As it is written in the law of YHWH, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to YHWH;) and to offer a sacrifice…to YHWH…

Remember Simeon at the Temple? Luk 2:25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Spirit was upon him. Isa 52:9 Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for YHWH hath comforted his people (Israel), he hath redeemed Jerusalem.

Luk 2:28-32 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed Elohim, and said, YHWH, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation (your Yeshua), Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. Isa 52:10 YHWH hath made bare his holy arm (Zeroah) in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our Elohim. Isa 42:6 I YHWH have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles (Nations);

What about Anna the Prophetess? A widow who did not depart from the temple but served with fasting and prayers day and night (Luk 2:37) Luk 2:38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto YHWH, and spake of him (Yeshua) to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Did Simeon and Anna know about the Haftarah’s of Consolation? Are we also like Simeon and Anna- anxiously awaiting for the Consolation of Israel and the redemption of Jerusalem?!?

Haftarah Sidenote: Isa 40:3 John 1:19-23 Isa 40:10 – 11 Behold, Adonai YHWH is coming in might, coming to rule with [outstreched] arm (zeroah), bringing reward and recompense, like a shepherd tending a (his) flock, gathering the lambs in his arms, carrying them and gently leading the ewes. Mar 6:34, John 10:1-16, 1 Pet 2:21-25

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Isa 61:10 I [we] will greatly rejoice in YHWH, my [our] soul[s] shall be joyful in my [our] Elohim; for He hath clothed me [us] with the garments of salvation… May we all be ready when Messiah returns: our consolation, redemption, and salvation- Amen! www.returnoftheremnant.com