Friday 24 February 2023

Psalm 148

Background

Commentators describe this passage as a ‘sign-act’, an acted parable in which Ezekiel performs the message that God has given him. By joining together two sticks, representing Judah and Israel, Ezekiel prophecies the coming unity of the two kingdoms. Over the centuries, the northern kingdom of Israel, centred on Samaria, and the southern kingdom of Judah, with its capital in Jerusalem, had drifted apart, their mutual antagonism making them easy prey for the armies of marauding empires. It seemed impossible that they could ever be brought together again, especially after the trauma of exile. But, just as the dry bones of Ezekiel’s vision can be brought back to life by the spirit of God, so the separated parts of the Jewish people can be made a single nation again. Such a national renewal will involve faithfulness to the true God and an end to idolatry.

The vision is one of national renewal and unity, the return of exiles and the dream of independence. It seems unlikely, and although it did come to temporary fulfilment, national unity was always fragile. We might see parallels in the downfall of apartheid in South Africa and the fall of the Iron Curtain in Europe. Both had seemed unlikely. Both came as a joyful event. Both led to disappointment as well as fulfilment.

To Ponder:

• Can you think of any examples of ‘sign acts’? What messages do they convey?
• What seemingly impossible situation do you pray to be transformed?