Our chapter depicts a regime in which the righteous are persecuted, the leadership powerless and dumbstruck, and evil prevails, including the most heinous expressions of idolatry. It is difficult to know for sure to which historical period this refers. Is it King Ahaz? Menasseh? First Temple? Second Temple?

And yet, the chapter ends with hope and promises of peace and healing: "Peace, Peace for those far and near, says God, and I will heal them"