Hebrew-English Text
I. Summary
God promises to punish the sinners, raise Israel’s status, and return the exiles to Jerusalem.
II. Photo
God proclaims his dominion: “Thus said the Lord: The heaven is my throne and the earth is my footstool: Where could you build a house for me, what place could serve as my abode?” (v. 1)
III. Important Verses
1-2: Thus said the LORD: The heaven is My throne And the earth is My footstool: Where could you build a house for Me, What place could serve as My abode? All this was made by My hand, And thus it all came into being — declares the LORD. Yet to such a one I look: To the poor and brokenhearted, Who is concerned about My word.
3-4: As for those who slaughter oxen and slay humans, Who sacrifice sheep and immolate dogs, Who present as oblation the blood of swine, Who offer incense and worship false gods — Just as they have chosen their ways And take pleasure in their abominations, So will I choose to mock them, To bring on them the very thing they dread. For I called and none responded, I spoke and none paid heed. They did what I deem evil And chose what I do not want.
9-11: Shall I who bring on labor not bring about birth? — says the LORD. ¶ Shall I who cause birth shut the womb? — said your God. Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her, All you who love her! Join in her jubilation, All you who mourned over her — That you may suck from her breast Consolation to the full, That you may draw from her bosom Glory to your delight.
13: As a mother comforts her son So I will comfort you; You shall find comfort in Jerusalem.
23-24: And new moon after new moon, And sabbath after sabbath, All flesh shall come to worship Me — said the LORD. They shall go out and gaze On the corpses of the men who rebelled against Me: Their worms shall not die, Nor their fire be quenched; They shall be a horror To all flesh. And new moon after new moon, And sabbath after sabbath, All flesh shall come to worship Me — said the LORD.
IV. Outline
1-2a. God’s dominion over the earth
2b. God cares for the downtrodden
3-4. God will punish the sinners
5. Encouragement against internal enemies
6-11. God will bring about a quick salvation
12. Israel’s standing over other nations
13. God’s comfort for Jerusalem
14-16. God will attack his enemies
17. Doom for the illicit worshipers
18-21. God will rule over the nations and return the exiles
22-24. God’s followers will worship him while his detractors will rot
V. Comment
No comment today. Stay tuned.
VI. Works Used
(see “Commentaries” page)
Collins, John J. “Introduction to the Hebrew Bible,” (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2004).
Photo taken from http://harrogatehouseoffers.com/images/Sturdy%20Stool%20H63221.jpg
