Monday 06 December 2021

Psalm 44

Background

The prophet Zechariah provides information that places his ministry beginning around 520–519 BC. 
Although this book is referred to as ‘Zechariah’, the prophet is often spoken of in the third person and Zechariah's words were probably written up by an editor at a later date. The first six chapters are mostly taken up with a series of eight visions, throughout which Zechariah is accompanied by an angel who explains much of what he is seeing. The first part of today’s reading ( 2:1-5) is the third of these visions.

In the previous two visions (1:8-21) Zechariah sees that, though the nations who have conquered and oppressed Israel feel they are living in peace, God is about to overcome them and reinstate Israel and Jerusalem. In this third vision, Zechariah sees a young man going to measure the walls of Jerusalem. It suggests this man supposes the renewal of Jerusalem will bring it back to how it was before the Babylonian conquest. The angel sent after him has a message to broaden his vision. Jerusalem will no longer be confined to the old walls; it will become a city of sprawling prosperous suburbs. With the Covenant renewed, God will be the only protection needed.

Today’s hope-filled reading ends with a note of celebration that the Lord will come to dwell in the city. As with many of the hopeful passages of the prophets, there is a sense in which it hasn’t yet finally been fulfilled. This allows it to keep on giving hope to generations of God’s people for the time when God will fully live in our midst. Verse 11 assures us that this hope isn’t only for the Jewish people of God, but for people from many nations.

To Ponder:

• In what ways are Israel and Jerusalem important to your faith?
• How has God challenged you to imagine possibilities greater than you thought possible?

Prayer

God of time and space, we pray your blessing on the land so many call holy, that so often sees acts of division and hatred. Restore it as a beacon of peace for all your world. Amen.