"הסיבות להענשתן של אשור ובבל בנבואות ישעיהו בן אמוץ וישעיה השני

This article explores the question of the punishment of the Assyrian and Babylonian Empires in the book of Isaiah: two empires whom the prophet perceives as God’s emissaries or executioners of His plan. This issue arises in two places in the book: in chapter 10:5-19, ascribed to Isaiah son of Amotz; and in chapter 47, recognized as Second Isaiah’s oracle. These two prophecies present a common idea: God, furious with His sinful people punishes them through a powerful nation who conquers and destroys the land. However, this enemy is, in turn, also punished. The enemy’s punishment raises a moral problem and the question of divine justice,since it only carried out God’s mission and yet it is being judged by him.This theological perplexity preoccupied the prophets and they present edjustification for the action of God. An analysis of the two prophecies and an examination of their structure, reveals that despite the similarities and connections between them, a different reason for punishing the enemy stands out in each. Finally, a theological explanation is offered for this difference, related to the historical background of the prophecies.