The Haftarah for Parashat Vayishlach, taken from the Book of Obadiah (part of the Twelve Prophets or Trei Asar), presents the prophecy about the fall of Edom, a historical enemy of Israel (Esau or Edom represents the powers of the Western world empire that will persist until the end of times). The prophet Obadiah, a convert from Edom and a servant of God, predicts the humiliation and destruction of Edom due to their arrogance and hostility toward Israel, their sister nation.
Edom's enemies will betray and plunder them, leaving their land desolate as retribution for their sins. In the end, the Jewish nation will be redeemed, the exiles will return, and the eternal kingdom of God will be established forever. This Haftarah, set in northern Israel about 2500 years ago as a prophecy for the end of times, connects with the Parashah by reflecting Jacob's struggle with Esau's angel and the subsequent victory of the Jewish people. Moreover, Obadiah's life, who overcame his corrupt environment to save prophets and draw closer to the Eternal, teaches us that we can all choose a spiritual path regardless of our circumstances.
General Information
- Main Theme: The prediction of the fall of Edom.
- Source: Selected from the Book of Obadiah, part of the Book of Trei Asar (Twelve Prophets).
- Chronology: Approximately 2500 years ago, after the division of the state of Israel into two and before the destruction of the First Beit Hamikdash. Elijah the Prophet was alive at that time.
- Location: Northern Israel.
Structure of the Book of Obadiah
- It is the shortest book in the Tanach, with only one chapter and 21 verses.
- Obadiah was not Jewish by birth; he was a convert (Ger) from Edom, a descendant of Esau.
History of the Haftarah
- Prophecy Against Edom: Obadiah predicts that the nations of the world will declare war against Edom, an enemy of Israel.
- Punishment for Arrogance: Due to their arrogance, Edom will suffer humiliation at the hands of Hashem.
- Betrayal and Destruction: Edom's enemies will deceive, plunder, and rob them. Edom will be trapped in a war they will lose, and their land will be left desolate for opposing Jacob (Israel).
- Retribution: Edom will receive punishment measure for measure for tormenting Israel, their sister nation.
- Redemption of Israel: The Jewish nation will be redeemed. Obadiah speaks of the survival and future conquests of Israel. The exiles will return, borders will be restored, and the kingdom of Hashem will be established forever.
Connection to Parashat Vayishlach
- In the Parashah, Jacob is injured and limping after his confrontation with the guardian angel of his brother Esau. Similarly, the descendants of Esau (the Edomites) would torture and harm the Jewish people in body and spirit.
- However, just as Jacob emerged victorious from his encounter, the Jewish people will also prevail and be redeemed.
Lesson from the Haftarah
- Example of Obadiah: Despite not being Jewish by birth and working in the court of the wicked King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, Obadiah did not let his environment influence him. He chose to draw closer to Hashem and perform good deeds.
- Inspirational Message: Every person has the power to have a spiritual vision for themselves and others, regardless of their past or circumstances. Obadiah was not limited by his origins, and neither should we be.
- Practical Actions: We can decide to work on a Mitzvah to strengthen our relationship with Hashem, such as learning Hebrew, saying blessings, keeping kosher, wearing tefillin, observing Shabbat, among others.
Biography of the Prophet Obadiah
- Name: Means "worshiper" or "Servant of God."
- Origin: A convert from Edom, a descendant of Esau.
- Context: Lived in the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Samaria) under the reign of the wicked King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, who promoted idolatry.
- Heroic Actions:
- Risked his life to save 100 prophets of Israel, hiding them in two caves (50 in each) and sustaining them with his own money.
- Spent his fortune and went into debt to protect the prophets, earning him the merit to receive prophecy.
- Personal Life: Died young, leaving a widow with debts and two children. The prophet Elisha performed a miracle with oil to help her pay her debts and sustain herself.
- Lesson from the Miracle: We leave a piece of bread on the table when saying Birkat Hamazon (Grace after Meals) because Hashem creates abundance from "something." We want our physical blessings to increase, so we start with something and pray for more.
Famous Verses from the Book of Obadiah
- Chapter 1: 1-21: "Ve'alu mosheim behar tzion lishpot et har esav v'hayetah Hashem hamlucha."
("And the saviors will ascend Mount Zion to judge the mountain of Esau, and the Kingdom will be the Eternal's.")
This verse is recited on Shabbat after Az Yashir and before Nishmat Kol Chai.
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