Thursday 21 December 2023
The nations will see your vindication, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow. (v. 2)
Background
Isaiah is believed to have been written by three different authors. This portion is part of the third and final section which covers chapters 56 to 66. It was written after the Babylonian exile when Jerusalem was being rebuilt.
It is believed to be a prophet speaking most of the words, with God speaking in verses 8 and 9. The key message throughout is that there is a new start for God's people and the prophet wants to make sure God is going to look after them from now on, in a similar way to how a bridegroom at that time looked after his bride.
The assurance of God is given as the passage develops and as result of that reassurance the prophet encourages those who are rebuilding Jerusalem to carry on preparing it for the return of others from exile.
So, to sum up, this is a passage that reflects he anxiety felt by a community which has gone through severe trauma. They are starting to rebuild, but need the reassurance that God is going to look after them and the past will not be repeated.
To Ponder:
- Do you have any fears of history repeating itself? If so, what reassurance do you need from God?
- How might you give support and reassurance to people or communities which are rebuilding after any kind of trauma?