Friday 10 April 2026

Psalm 100

Background
Today’s passage can be split into two parts. Verses 1-6 are a hymn of trust, and verses 7-19 are a lament. It was probably written after the Jewish people returned from exile. The literature is apocalyptic in nature, meaning that it is not rooted in a particular moment of history, but has a more cosmic focus.

Isaiah 26:1-6: This hymn compares two cities. One is ‘the lofty city’ (v. 5). These are the powers around Israel who, on the face of it, are mighty. In attitude they are arrogant and assume that no-one can touch them. This is contrasted with Jerusalem, still reeling from the destruction a couple of centuries previously.

Despite the difference in fortunes, the writer encourages the people to maintain faith that, one day, the lofty city will be brought low; and their own city, weak though it might seem, will be strong.

The foundation of this faith is not in military might, but in the work of God. The double use of God’s name (indicated by both LORD and GOD being in capitals) serves to emphasise how much this is based on God and not humanity.

Isaiah 26:7-19: These verses take the traditional form of a lament. It begins with a statement of faith (verses 7-15) focusing on the righteousness of the people. Even in the face of oppression the people have yearned and endlessly sought God. Then comes the heart of the complaint – verses 16-18 detail how the people have cried out to God for help but no answer was given. They have suffered the pain of childbirth, without the rewards of new life. People have died unjustly, and the perpetrators seem to have got away with it.

However, in the final verse there is a turn. In the face of the injustice of undeserved death comes one of the few references in the Old Testament to resurrection. Isaiah discovers a firm conviction that God cannot let this pass. It is a belief founded in the certainty that not even death can limit the purposes of God. Therefore, the day is coming when the faithful will rise to new life. The nation may not be able to give birth to new life, but the earth that holds the bodies of those who have died will do.

To Ponder:

• How do you understand the justice of God when confronted with unjust deaths in our world today? What part do you have to play in seeing that justice become a reality?
• Where do you see signs of new life in the news of conflicts around our world?

Prayer
"And we are raised with him, death is dead, love has won, Christ has conquered." (Singing the Faith 309)
God of justice and compassion, hear our cries for all who die unjustly around our world this day. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Will Fletcher
Will Fletcher is a presbyter in the Central Sussex United Area. Alongside his church duties, Will is the Ecumenical Officer for the Sussex part of the South-East District. He is married to Helen and they have one son. When not working, Will makes up part of the bass section of Patcham Silver Band.