Friday 22 March 2024
See, I am going to bring them from the land of the north, and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, among them the blind and the lame, those with child and those in labor, together; a great company, they shall return here. (v. 8)
Background
Today’s poem continues the theme of restoration. It is a poem that contains inconsistencies. For example, the God who scattered the people (v. 10) is the same God who asserts to have loved Israel "with an everlasting love" (v. 3). The author doesn’t try and smooth out the inconsistencies, but instead the poetic nature allows space for both experiences of God to be acknowledged.
This passage highlights the changes that will come upon the people. It begins with imagining all the families of Israel becoming the people of God (v. 1). Here is a unity that had been broken since the division of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah after the death of King Solomon.
The vision of the restoration is of a reverse invasion. The memories of Babylon invading Judah are still raw for those in exile, just a generation or two after the events. However, now an army of people will return. This army, though, will not be made up of mighty warriors, but will be the blind, the lame and the women. (v. 8) God’s restoration brings new value and worth to those often overlooked.
This vision harks back to God’s deliverance of the people from slavery in Egypt. The poem speaks of finding grace in the wilderness (v. 2). Unlike that first restoration, this time there won’t be any 40-year long journeys through the wilderness. Instead, they will travel by a straight (or smooth) path.
Our passage today relates well to our journey through Lent. It speaks of God ransoming and redeeming the people. Both are legal terms relating to liberation, and both are often used to help understand the significance of Jesus’ death and resurrection. The people are encouraged to raise the shout, "Save, O Lord, your people" (v. 7). The word ‘save’ is almost identical to the phrase we translate ‘Hosanna’ that we will hear the crowds shouting this Sunday in our Palm Sunday reading.
At its heart we have the affirmation of God as Father, who seeks to comfort those who mourn, giving gladness for sorrow (v. 13).
To Ponder:
- How might you give value and worth to people often overlooked in our society today?
- We pondered earlier this week about Christ’s death bringing healing. How do the images of redeeming and ransoming deepen your understanding?
Prayer
God of all people, we thank you that whoever we are, however others judge us, you cherish us as your children. Help us to live in ways that help others know they are cherished too. Amen.
Bible Study author: the Revd Will Fletcher