Monday 18 March 2024

Psalm 19:7-14

Background

Firstly, if you have managed to persevere through the past two weeks of readings of Jeremiah in 'A Word in Time' – well done! This final week of readings from the prophet will hopefully bring some light relief. Chapters 30 and 31 are referred to as ‘the Book of Comfort’. Unlike earlier portions of the book of Jeremiah which come before the destruction of Jerusalem and swathes of the national leadership being taken into exile in 587 BC, these chapters focus on hope for those in exile that they have not been abandoned by God.

God offers assurance that their current situation isn’t going to last for ever. The time is coming when it will become possible to return to their homeland and experience freedom and security once more. The words are offered to the displaced peoples of both the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. The vision is of a return to a united kingdom.

Given the situation in Palestine and Israel today, this focus on the land may be troubling. For them to have their own land, means others will be denied it. The need for a place to call home is a universal need for security and identity. We must recognise, reading these texts, that we read the story from a particular perspective. They should not be our only resource for reflecting on the current situation.

The central section of this passage is an image of panic. The curious image of verse 6 is almost mocking in tone. It is an image we would be uncomfortable with in our age of seeking gender equality. The Hebrew word used here for ‘man’ uses the same consonants as that for ‘strong’ or ‘mighty.’ It is as though God is saying, these supposedly mighty men are acting like women.

It leads to verse 8 with God declaring that, though they can’t do anything themselves, God will be the one to rescue them, and bring judgement and justice on those who have oppressed them.

It ends in an anti-climax, with the reminder that the people of God will still be punished by God. Though the hope for the future is held out to them, the present reality of exile remains.

To Ponder:

• How do you process passages of Scripture that might be problematic today? What other resources beyond our Bible can we use to help us be more informed about the current situation in the Middle East?
• In what ways are you, the Church, or our nation in need of restoration? What images might you use to picture that restoration?

Prayer

God of hope, when the way seems unclear, or our days feel hard, remind us that you are the God who brings new life. We pray for that vision of new life in the Middle East this day, that all may dwell in safety. Amen. 

Bible Study author: the Revd Will Fletcher