Saturday 17 December 2016

Psalm: Psalm 75:1-7

Background

Chapters 34 and 35 form a very interesting part of Isaiah. Theyhave more in common with what is called Deutero-Isaiah (chapters40-55) than what surrounds them. They are set later than thepreceding chapters and are followed by chapters mostly containingnarrative material from 2 Kings.

Chapter 34 is a judgement on nations with a focus on Edom, Thisprobably places it after the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem in587BC, which was exploited by the Edomites (see the book of Obadiahfor more from this period).

After the judgement comes restoration: chapter 35 looks to thereturn to Jerusalem and does so in language that reflects templeliturgy, when those who have been excluded can return at the greatatonement.

The passage begins with a picture of the transformation possiblewhen land is blessed by water and by God.

Verses 3 and 4 fit an advent theme as they indicate a responseto the hope of renewal. The hope of renewal is to strengthen andgive courage until the day of renewal comes while also looking toGod to bring justice, saving those who need it and bringingpunishment for those who have done wrong.

The references to the blind, deaf, lame and speechless in verses5 and 6 are not as simple as disabilities. They are also wordplaysin a typical style of Isaiah and probably refer to the names offour heavenly beings (see for example blind, lame in 2Samuel 5:6; speechless, the same word is translated as "theGods" in Psalm 58:1; deaf - being the same word asmagician in Isaiah 3:3). Jesus alludes to these in hisresponse to John the Baptist's disciples in Luke7:22 and Matthew 11 (see Sunday's notes).

In the second half of verse 6 and then in verse 7 we again seethat this transformation is not limited to the lives of people buta transformation of everything.

In Isaiah God's renewal is always a big picture. It is neverjust about me or myself. Instead it is about people and placesbeing transformed. The desire for strength and courage is not forour own benefit alone but as part of God's bigger plan.

To Ponder

• What are your experiences of God strengthening and givingcourage?

• How do you feel about whether the blind, deaf, lame, speechlessshould be understood literally or more about destruction ofheavenly beings?

• Where would you like to see restoration taking place? Offerthis to God in prayer.