Chapter 26 opens with a psalm-like song of confidence. Confident in the strength of Zion, established by God, the people proclaim the opening of the gates, here for the righteous nation. The peace of the righteous who trust in God is contrasted with the downfall of the proud. The theme of distress and the petition for help return. The day of divine judgment is at hand and the people are exhorted to wait in patience, to hide until the moment of wrath is over. In the vineyard song, God appears as the keeper of his people warding off a ll dangers. The coming of the final age is sure since God has decreed it; but its coming may be delayed by man’s failure, and the people of God are here in effect warned not to delay the hoped-for day of salvation. Oracles follow against Samaria and against Judah’s religious leaders. The religious leaders even mock the prophet. Their words convey the idea of mockery in a stammering childlike voice. God repeats these words in deadly earnest, putting them in the mouth of the victorious pagan army. Hence, the word of the Lord turns from blessing to curse, from life to death. We should take care not to mock those whose words are words of Divine Wisdom! Unfortunately, what sounds like wisdom to some sounds like folly to others. May we be able to discern the difference.
Chapter 26 opens with a psalm-like song of confidence. Confident in the strength of Zion, established by God, the people proclaim the opening of the gates, here for the righteous nation. The peace of the righteous who trust in God is contrasted with the downfall of the proud. The theme of distress and the petition for help return. The day of divine judgment is at hand and the people are exhorted to wait in patience, to hide until the moment of wrath is over. In the vineyard song, God appears as the keeper of his people warding off a ll dangers. The coming of the final age is sure since God has decreed it; but its coming may be delayed by man’s failure, and the people of God are here in effect warned not to delay the hoped-for day of salvation. Oracles follow against Samaria and against Judah’s religious leaders. The religious leaders even mock the prophet. Their words convey the idea of mockery in a stammering childlike voice. God repeats these words in deadly earnest, putting them in the mouth of the victorious pagan army. Hence, the word of the Lord turns from blessing to curse, from life to death. We should take care not to mock those whose words are words of Divine Wisdom! Unfortunately, what sounds like wisdom to some sounds like folly to others. May we be able to discern the difference.
ReplyDelete