Haftorat Parshat Lech Lecha: Renewal in Every Stride

Yeshayahu 40:27 - 41:16 

וְקוֹיֵ֤ ה’ יַחֲלִ֣יפוּ כֹ֔חַ יַעֲל֥וּ אֵ֖בֶר כַּנְּשָׁרִ֑ים יָר֙וּצוּ֙ וְלֹ֣א יִיגָ֔עוּ יֵלְכ֖וּ וְלֹ֥א יִיעָֽפוּ׃ 

But they who trust in Hashem shall renew their strength, they raise wing as eagles, they run and do not become tired; they shall march and not grow faint.

Yeshayahu’s words in the Haftorah paint a picture of Hashem’s unfailing support for those who trust in Him. But why does he use the term יחליפו כח—“exchange” or “transform” strength—rather than the more straightforward נותן כח, “give strength”? And what’s the significance of flying, running, and walking?

The Malbim explains that there are two distinct types of exhaustion: עיף refers to physical exhaustion which is replenished through rest and nourishment while יגע is mental and psychological exhaustion. Relieving this fatigue requires emotional and psychological renewal, often found in self-encouragement, spiritual connection and community support.

Yeshayahu’s message is steadying and timeless: there are times when we cannot fly or even run, yet we must continue forward, even if only by foot. Hashem renews our strength to fit each moment, helping us to walk when we cannot soar. By pairing running with overcoming mental exhaustion and walking with overcoming physical exhaustion, Yeshayhu understands and underscores that our journey may be challenging and even overwhelming, but Hashem is with us at every step. During these difficult and painful times, we may find ourselves walking, with no strength to run or fly. We should find strength knowing that putting one foot in front of the other is still moving forward.