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This text has three major movements: God’s patient suffering at the hands of a recalcitrant people (Isaiah 65:1-5), God’s decision to judge (Isaiah 65:6-7), and the merciful promise to save a remnant (Isaiah 65:8-9). Or, seen from the perspective of God, the speaker, the text moves from grief to judgment to mercy. The first movement … Continue reading “Isaiah 65:1-9 Commentary by Michael J. Chan”

This pericope is simultaneously rooted in the rich memories of God’s saving acts and mired in the muck of dashed expectations and the experience of God’s absence. From this spot the prophet, speaking on behalf of the people, both admits the people’s rejections of God and calls on God to be present and act on … Continue reading “Isaiah 64:1-9 Commentary by Samuel Giere”

A cry of misery. An appeal for mercy These verses are part of a larger psalm of communal lament (Isaiah 63:7-64:12) that begins with a praise-filled account of God’s mighty acts of deliverance throughout Israel’s history. God’s actions on behalf of Israel (“my people”; 63:8) are described as expressions of God’s steadfast love, mercy and … Continue reading “Isaiah 64:1-9 Commentary by Elna K. Solvang”

This pericope is found in the part of Isaiah often known as Third Isaiah (chapters 56-66). Likely dating to the early days after Persia took over Babylon, two things would have been happening in relationship to Jerusalem at this time (late 6th century BCE). First, those residents who had remained after Babylon destroyed Jerusalem would … Continue reading “Isaiah 64:1-9 Commentary by Kristin J. Wendland”

The Sunday after Christmas is typically a “low Sunday.” The energy and anticipation of Advent has given way to wonder at the incarnation. Travelers weary from star-lit journeys now rest and rejoice in the light that shatters all darkness. And ever so gently, we fold and store away the Christmas pageant costumes, tuck the musical … Continue reading “Isaiah 63:7-9 Commentary by Christine Roy Yoder”

Unfortunately the long standing tradition of celebrating Advent and Christmas is becoming replaced by the sole focus on a one or two day event. Because of the enormous amount of resources invested into Christmas Eve or Christmas Day services, some churches have even opted to cancel their Sunday services following Dec 25th. By doing so … Continue reading “Isaiah 63:7-9 Commentary by Bo Lim”

Not many people will come to church on December 29th. It will probably be mostly just the regulars, the steadfast, the pillars, and perhaps one or two energized or interested new people. The church feels empty. The decorations have come down or else simply look tired and spent from all the activity and energy they … Continue reading “Isaiah 63:7-9 Commentary by Ingrid Lilly”

Isaiah 62:6-12 is the first reading assigned for Christmas Day. Like the Isaiah 9:2-7 reading assigned for Christmas Eve, the commentaries, appropriately, see little connection between this particular proclamation of salvation and the birth of Jesus. Rather, our passage concerns Zion, the name of the hill upon which the city of Jerusalem is located, and … Continue reading “Isaiah 62:6-12 Commentary by Mark Throntveit”

Last night’s Old Testament lesson came from First Isaiah (chapters 1-39) that covers roughly the 40-year period of the latter half of the Eighth century. We now jump to Third Isaiah (chapters 56-66) which is situated in Judah after 537 BCE, that is, after the fall of Babylon. In the context of the realities of … Continue reading “Isaiah 62:6-12 Commentary by Karoline Lewis”

Isaiah 62:6-12 is the Proper 2 Old Testament Christmas reading every year. Paired with Luke 2, however, it doesn’t attract much attention. Indeed, it seems an odd Christmas reading, with no baby, no mother, shepherds, or magi. It’s not about Bethlehem but Jerusalem, a city Luke hasn’t even mentioned yet. Yet one detail stands out … Continue reading “Isaiah 62:6-12 Commentary by Patricia Tull”