Isaiah in Rabbinic Literature - Isaiah Chosen As A Prophet

Isaiah Chosen As A Prophet

While Isaiah, says the Midrash, was walking up and down in his study he heard God saying, "Whom shall I send ?" Then Isaiah said, "Here am I; send me!" Thereupon God said to him," My children are trouble-some and sensitive; if thou art ready to be insulted and even beaten by them, thou mayest accept My message; if not, thou wouldst better renounce it" (Lev. R. x.). Isaiah accepted the mission, and was the most forbearing, as well as the most ardent patriot, among the Prophets, always defending Israel and imploring forgiveness for its sins. When Isaiah said, "I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips" Isaiah 6:5 he was rebuked by God for speaking in such terms of His people (Canticles Rabbah 1.6).

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Famous quotes containing the words isaiah, chosen and/or prophet:

    There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked.
    —Bible: Hebrew Isaiah, 48:22.

    Repeated in Isaiah 57:21.

    All the chosen coin of fancy
    flashing out from many a golden phrase;
    Alfred Tennyson (1809–1892)

    This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’ “
    Bible: New Testament, Matthew 3:3.