Tuesday 10 December 2024

Psalm 44

Background
Zechariah was a prophet, one who spoke the word of God to the people of Judah. He prophesied in the late 6th century BC. Following the fall of Jerusalem around 587 BC, many of its inhabitants had been taken to live in exile in Babylon, with Zechariah among them. When King Cyrus, conqueror of the Babylonian Empire, permitted the Jews to return (around 538 BC), they found Jerusalem in ruins. It was from among the ruins of Jerusalem that Zechariah proclaimed his message.

Imagine hearing these words amid the rubble of a city devastated by war. Zechariah had a vision of a man going to measure the walls of Jerusalem, preparing to rebuild them. Walls were seen as an important defence against enemies and the man is symbolic of human expectations for the city. But in Zechariah’s vision, Jerusalem would no longer need walls but would spread beyond its former dimensions, because of the multitude of people and animals who would inhabit it. It is a picture of a prosperous city, restored and even surpassing its former glory. It would not need walls because God would be its protection, a ‘wall of fire’ around it and ‘the glory within it’. (v. 5)

Glory can mean the shining radiance of God’s presence on earth, or the honour given to God. When the prophet John, many years later, had a vision of the end times and a New Jerusalem coming down from heaven, no light was needed in the city because the Lord God would be the light (Revelation 22:5).

Walls are often built to keep people in or to keep people out. However, in the New Jerusalem, God promised to come and dwell in the midst of the people (v. 10). ‘Daughter Zion’ is used here to refer to God’s people, Zion is often used to describe Jerusalem and is also symbolic of the dwelling place of God as King. In this new kingdom many nations will also join themselves to the Lord – the wall of protective fire will not keep out those who come and are now also part of God’s people.

To Ponder:

• It is not only physical barriers that can exclude people. What barriers do you think need to be challenged in the Church today?
• Can you think of a time when you feel God challenged your limited expectations and surprised you?

Prayer
A prayer from the Methodist Worship Book:
Give us, O God, a vision of your glory,
That we may worship you in spirit and in truth,
And offer the praise of glad and thankful hearts; Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Kate Cambridge
Kate is a presbyter in the Winchester Eastleigh and Romsey Circuit. In her free time she enjoys doing laundry (!), spending time with her family and wrestling ball point pens off her miniature poodle.