The Isles of Exile: Britain?

Question

Dear Rabbi, I found a prophecy in Isaiah that I thought might be speaking about the recent return of the Jews from Britain and the English Empire.

The verse says, “For the isles will hope for Me, and the ships… to bring your sons from afar, their silver and their gold with them, in the name of the Lord your God and for the Holy One of Israel, for He has glorified you.” (60:9)

It seems to me that this refers to the return of the Jewish people to their homeland “Israel” by ships and would be about their return after 1948.

And it seems to me that the “isle” in this verse is “Britain.” Britain is an isle and I am not aware of the Jewish people ever returning to their homeland in ships from any other nation.

Am I on to something, Rabbi? Thanks!

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Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    What you suggest is certainly an intriguing idea! However, I have never come across a commentary that explains the “islands” as referring to England.

    The generally accepted explanation is this prophecy has yet to be fulfilled. Nevertheless, many commentaries say that this prophecy of return of the Jewish People to Israel has at least partially been fulfilled. And we pray that soon it will completely be fulfilled.

    It is one of the fundamental beliefs of the Jewish faith that there will come a time when everyone — even those who live in far-flung, isolated islands — will recognize that everything that has occurred throughout history is part of God’s plan. This includes not only all of the good things but also the seemingly bad things.

    The next verse in Isaiah says, “And foreigners will build your walls, and their kings shall serve you, for in My wrath I struck you, and in My grace have I had mercy on you.” This is a message that people should live a moral and Monotheistic life. In this way the world will be pleasing to its Creator and all exile and suffering will come to an end forever.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team