This week’s Haftarah from Yishayahu 54-55 is a lyrical prophecy of what will happen in Messianic times. The words of the prophecy especially ring true today.

Yishayahu 54:15-17 states: “Behold! They may well gather together, but not by Me: whoever aggressively opposes you will fall for your sake. Behold! I have created the smith who blows on charcoal flame and withdraws a tool for his labor and I have created the destroyer to ruin. Any weapon sharpened against you will not succeed and any tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall condemn; this is the heritage of the servant of God and their righteousness is from Me, the words of HaShem.”

According to Olam HaTanach’s commentary, since God created the smith who creates weapons, He is also responsible for making sure that none of these weapons succeed in destroying Israel. As well, any language that is negative concerning Israel will not be recognized in court.

How familiar does this sound?

In Israel, day in and day out we see our enemies preparing all sorts of weapons to try to destroy Israel. After a missile has been launched from Gaza we even get a report on the news about if it was a “homemade” rocket or if it was a fancier model purchased from abroad.

It is clear that God continues to protect Israel as many of the missiles end up landing in Gaza itself, in open areas in Israel or are intercepted by the Iron Dome.

We have also seen our enemies from all over the world speak out against Israel, taking the side of Hamas. Slowly but surely, many are starting to see the real story, especially now that most of the international journalists have left Gaza and can now speak the truth.

Reading this Haftarah and seeing what is going on in the world today makes us feel like slowly but surely the prophecies are coming true and we are moving in the direction towards the coming of the Mashiach. However, the redemption is a very slow process. Although we may be on the way, we have not yet arrived.