Nahum's Prophecy - A Scenario for Future Events
Neither Nahum nor Habakkuk, the prophet who follows him, gives any indication of when they received their prophecies (just as in the case of the prophet Joel). According to one opinion—we discussed i…
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Eshet Chayil — Her Household Does Not Fear Snow
She extends her palm to the poor, and her hands to the weary… Here the reference is to a woman from Zarephath who, in order to feed the prophet Elijah, held out bread to him in her palm. (In essence,…
The Prophet Joel—The Main Sign That Mashiach Is Near
In previous articles, we examined 4 prophets, listing them in the order in which they are recorded in tradition (that is, as the Sages speak of them). Beginning, as in the Book of the “12 Prophets,”…
Eshet Chayil - Blessed Among Women Is Yael
"With a spindle in her hands, she sits at the spinning wheel..." This verse refers to Yael. When Sisera, the military commander pursued by Deborah's militia, came to her and asked for water, Yael gav…
The Prophet Micah—Because of You, Zion Will Be Plowed Like a Field
This prophet appeared after the reign of Uzziah; his prophecies mention only the three subsequent kings: Jotham, Ahab, and Hezekiah. Micah’s prophecies concern both Judah and Israel, but he is primar…
Eshet Chayil—Her Lamp Does Not Go Out All Night
The next verse of Eshet Chayil: "She is girded with strength; her arms are strong..." According to tradition, this refers to Miriam. Why? In Judaism, girding oneself signifies strength, power, and he…
The Prophet Amos
Chronologically, the prophet Amos came after Hosea. He was wealthy and came from the tribe of Asher, whose symbol is olive oil and abundance. We have a tradition that Amos was not eloquent. (Isaiah w…
Eshet Chayil - The Field and the Vineyard
“She rises while it is still dark, gives food to her household, and assigns tasks to her maidservants… “Rises while it is still dark” means while it is still night outside. Everything connected with…
The Prophet Hosea - Difficult Lessons
Let us now turn to the Book of the 12 Minor Prophets itself. It opens with the Book of the Prophet Hosea. According to tradition, he belonged to the tribe of Reuben, Jacob's firstborn. Thus, in the B…