This Shabbat we read the fifth haftarah of consolation following the Ninth of Av, Tisha B'Av. The haftarah is selected from the 54th chapter of Isaiah. This reading is attributed to the Second Isaiah, the anonymous prophet of the Babylonian exile. The prophet speaks of the return of the exiles to their beloved city of Jerusalem. He compares Jerusalem to a barren woman. Now, however, the barren city will have more children than a happily married wife.

The prophet uses the powerful imagery of marriage to compare the relationship of G-d and Israel. "For your Maker is your husband, the L-rd of hosts is His name." The alienation between G-d and Israel is compared to the strife within a marriage. However, now the estranged partners have been reconciled. "For a small moment have I forsaken you, but with great compassion will I gather you."

The Second Isaiah notes that just as another great flood will never engulf the world, so too G-d will never forsake His people again. "For the mountains may depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from you." The beautiful words of the prophet serve as an inspiration as the seven haftarot of comfort give way to the arrival of the New Year.