Fourth Sunday in Advent, Year C, Annunciation Sunday
The playlist of songs and hymns for this week is available on YouTube.
Virgin Mary and Eve by Sister Grace Remington, OCSO, 2005, Sisters of the Mississippi Abbey. Please head on over to the website to purchase your copy of this print! I am including this imagined visitation between Mary and Eve because I love it so much. I love it so much I purchased a copy of this print.
Possible route that Mary took between Nazareth and Elizabeth's home. Ein Karem is one possible location that Elizabeth (and Zechariah) lived; another possibility is Hebron further south.
The Visual Commentary on Scripture has the page Quickening Creation.
Luke 1:39-56
CSB
In those days Mary set out and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judah where she entered Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped inside her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and your child will be blessed! How could this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For you see, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped for joy inside me. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill what he has spoken to her!”
And Mary said:
My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
because he has looked with favor
on the humble condition of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations
will call me blessed,
because the Mighty One
has done great things for me,
and his name is holy.
His mercy is from generation to generation
on those who fear him.
He has done a mighty deed with his arm;
he has scattered the proud
because of the thoughts of their hearts;
he has toppled the mighty from their thrones
and exalted the lowly.
He has satisfied the hungry with good things
and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering his mercy
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he spoke to our ancestors.
And Mary stayed with her about three months; then she returned to her home.
Who wrote Luke: This book and its sequel Acts are traditionally attributed to Luke, the companion of Paul (Sha'ul), as mentioned in Philemon 24, Colossians 4:14, and 2 Timothy 4:11. Luke is believed to have been a physician. He was either a Gentile or a Hellenized Jew (with the Latin name Lucanus and Greek name Loukas) which can be determined from comparing 2 Colossians 4:10–11 with 2 Colossians 4:14. Luke does display a good knowledge of Hebrew customs in Luke-Acts, but he also displays a thorough knowledge of Greek and Roman culture and literature. The verbs in Acts change to first-person plural starting in Acts 16:10, so it's reasonable to assume that Luke and Paul met in Troas (modern-day northwestern Turkey) and then began to travel together.
Who Luke was written to: Theophilus; some people think that this might be Theophilus ben Ananus (the Jewish high priest from 37-41 CE/AD) or Mattathias ben Theophilus (the Jewish high priest at the beginning of the First Jewish–Roman War, which began in 66 CE/AD) or it could be someone else, as this name was common as a given name or title. Another possibility is that it was written for the use of Paul's lawyer for his trial in Rome. "Most Honorable" was a specific political title bestowed by the Roman government.
When Luke was written: Acts ends before the martyrdom of Paul (between 64-68 CE/AD) and Luke was written before Acts
The purpose of the book of Luke: to give an orderly account of Jesus so that the reader could know the certainty of the things that he had been taught (Luke 1:3-4). A common theme is rejection by the religious elite.
Things I noticed:
When Luke was written: Acts ends before the martyrdom of Paul (between 64-68 CE/AD) and Luke was written before Acts
The purpose of the book of Luke: to give an orderly account of Jesus so that the reader could know the certainty of the things that he had been taught (Luke 1:3-4). A common theme is rejection by the religious elite.
Things I noticed:
39. In those days Mary set out and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judah: The name Mary comes from the Greek name Maria, which is derived from the Hebrew name Miryam, which means rebellious or bitter, though some argue that it instead means beloved. Judah (JOO-duh) was the southern portion of Israel; the only other place in the New Testament where this Greek/Hebrew word is used for a location is in Matthew 2:6. The town in Judah that she went to might have been Hebron, a city of priests about 25 miles south of Jerusalem and nearly 100 miles from Nazareth. Mary was a very determined woman to walk this far while dealing with the fatigue of the first trimester of pregnancy. See also Luke 1:65, Genesis 12:8, Joshua 10:6, Joshua 10:40, Joshua 14:12, Joshua 15:48-59, Joshua 20:7, Joshua 21:9-11, Judges 1:19, 2 Chronicles 27:4, Jeremiah 32:44, Jeremiah 33:13
40. where she entered Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth: Zechariah (zek-uh-RIGH-uh) or the Hebrew Zekaryah means God remembers. Elizabeth or the Hebrew Elishebah means God has sworn or promised. Remember that Zechariah is mute at this time (Luke 1:20).
41. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped inside her:
The Sages taught in a baraita that Rabbi Yosei HaGelili taught: At the time that the Jewish people ascended from the sea they resolved to sing a song of gratitude to God. And how did they recite this song? If a baby was lying on his mother’s lap or an infant was nursing from his mother’s breasts, once they saw the Divine Presence, the baby straightened his neck and the infant dropped the breast from his mouth, and they recited: “This is my God and I will glorify Him” (Exodus 15:2). As it is stated: “Out of the mouths of babies and sucklings You have founded strength” (Psalm 8:3). Rabbi Meir would say: From where is it derived that even fetuses in their mother’s womb recited the song at the sea? As it is stated: “In full assemblies, bless God, the Lord, you that are from the source of Israel” (Psalm 68:27), indicating that even children that are in the “source,” i.e., their mother’s womb, blessed God when they gathered at the sea. Sotah 30b:16-31a:1
See also verse 44 below, Luke 1:15, Luke 6:23, Genesis 25:21-23, Psalm 22:10, Jeremiah 1:5, John 3:29-30
and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit: see also Luke 1:67, Luke 2:25, Luke 2:36-38, Luke 4:1, Exodus 15:20, Judges 4:4, 2 Kings 22:14, 2 Chronicles 34:22, Isaiah 8:3, Joel 2:28-29, John 14:26, Acts 2:4, Acts 2:17-18, Acts 4:8, Acts 6:3, Acts 7:55, Acts 27:9, 1 Corinthians 11:2-16, Ephesians 5:18, Revelation 1:10
42. Then she exclaimed with a loud cry, Blessed are you among women: The Greek word translated in this verse as blessed is eulogeo, which means favored of God along with blessed. See also verse 48 below, Luke 1:28, Luke 11:27, Judges 5:24, Proverbs 31:26
and your child will be blessed: see also Luke 19:38, Genesis 22:18, Deuteronomy 7:13, Deuteronomy 28:4, Psalm 21:6, Psalm 45:2, Psalm 72:17-19, Acts 2:26-28, Romans 9:5, Hebrews 12:2
43. How could this happen to me: see also Luke 7:7, Ruth 2:10, 1 Samuel 25:41, Matthew 3:14, John 13:5-8, Philippians 2:3
that the mother of my Lord should come to me: see also Luke 2:11, Luke 20:42-44, Joshua 5:14, Psalm 110:1, John 13:13, John 20:28, Philippians 3:8, Hebrews 7:14
44. For you see, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped for joy inside me: see also verse 41 above
45. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill what he has spoken to her: The Greek word translated in this verse as blessed is makarios, which means supremely blessed and happy. See also Luke 1:20, Luke 11:27-28, Genesis 15:6, 1 Kings 17:16, 2 Kings 4:5, 2 Chronicles 20:20, John 1:50, John 11:40, John 20:29, Acts 27:25, Romans 4:19-21
46. And Mary said: My soul magnifies the Lord: The Greek word translated here as magnifies is megalyno, which means to deem or declare great, i.e. to esteem highly, to extol, laud, celebrate. See also 1 Samuel 2:1, 1 Kings 1:48, Job 36:24, Psalm 34:2-3, Psalm 35:9, Psalm 40:16, Psalm 71:23, Psalm 103:1-2, Psalm 126:3, Proverbs 31:30, Isaiah 24:15-16, Isaiah 41:16, Isaiah 45:25, Isaiah 61:10, Habakkuk 3:17-18, Romans 5:11, 1 Corinthians 1:31, 2 Corinthians 2:14, Philippians 3:3, Philippians 4:4, 1 Peter 1:8
47. and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior: see also Luke 2:11, 1 Samuel 2:1, 2 Samuel 22:3, 2 Samuel 22:47, Psalm 9:14, Psalm 13:5, Psalm 18:46, Psalm 20:5, Psalm 35:9, Psalm 40:16, Psalm 51:12, Psalm 71:23, Psalm 88:1, Psalm 89:16, Psalm 92:4, Psalm 104:34, Psalm 106:21, Isaiah 12:2-3, Isaiah 43:11, Isaiah 45:21-22, Isaiah 61:10, Joel 2:23, Habakkuk 3:18, Zephaniah 3:14-17, Zechariah 9:9, Zechariah 10:7, Philippians 3:1, 1 Timothy 1:1, Titus 2:10, Titus 2:13, Titus 3:4-6, 1 Peter 1:6, 2 Peter 1:1
48. because he has looked with favor on the humble condition of his servant: see also Luke 1:28, Ruth 2:10, 1 Samuel 1:11, 1 Samuel 2:8, 2 Samuel 7:8, 2 Samuel 7:18-19, Esther 2:17, Psalm 102:17, Psalm 113:7-8, Psalm 136:23, Psalm 138:6, Isaiah 66:2, 1 Corinthians 1:26-28, James 2:5-6
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed: The Greek word translated in this verse as blessed is makarizo, which is related to the word makarios in verse 45 above. See also verse 42 above, Luke 1:28, Luke 11:27, Genesis 30:13, Psalm 72:17, Proverbs 10:7, Malachi 3:12
49. because the Mighty One: see also Genesis 17:1, Psalm 24:8, Isaiah 1:24, Isaiah 63:1, Jeremiah 10:6, Jeremiah 20:11
has done great things for me: see also Psalm 71:19-21, Psalm 126:2-3, Ephesians 3:20
and his name is holy: see also Exodus 15:11, 1 Samuel 2:2, Psalm 99:3, Psalm 99:9, Psalm 111:9, Isaiah 6:3, Isaiah 57:15, Revelation 4:8, Revelation 15:4
50. His mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear him: The Greek word translated here as mercy is eleos, which means kindness or good will towards the miserable and the afflicted, joined with a desire to help them. The Greek word translated here as respect is phobeo, which means to reverence, venerate, to treat with deference or reverential obedience. See also Genesis 17:7, Exodus 20:6, Exodus 34:6-7, Deuteronomy 4:10, 1 Samuel 2:10, 2 Chronicles 7:3, Ezra 3:11, Psalm 25:6, Psalm 31:19, Psalm 85:9, Psalm 89:2, Psalm 100:5, Psalm 103:11, Psalm 103:17-18, Psalm 107:1, Psalm 115:13, Psalm 118:4, Psalm 136:1, Psalm 145:19, Psalm 147:11, Ecclesiastes 8:12, Ecclesiastes 12:13, Isaiah 51:8, Lamentations 3:22, Malachi 3:16-18, Malachi 4:2, Acts 13:16, James 5:11, Revelation 19:5
51. He has done a mighty deed with his arm: see also Exodus 15:6-7, Exodus 15:12-13, Deuteronomy 4:34, 1 Chronicles 29:12, Psalm 52:9, Psalm 63:5, Psalm 89:13, Psalm 98:1, Psalm 118:15, Isaiah 40:10, Isaiah 51:9, Isaiah 52:10, Isaiah 63:12, Revelation 18:8
he has scattered the proud: see also Luke 14:11, Genesis 11:4, Genesis 11:8, Exodus 15:9-11, Exodus 18:11, Deuteronomy 8:11-14, 1 Samuel 2:3-4, 1 Samuel 2:9-10, Job 40:9-12, Psalm 2:1-6, Psalm 33:10, Psalm 59:11, Psalm 89:10, Psalm 138:6, Proverbs 16:5, Proverbs 16:18-19, Isaiah 10:12-19, Isaiah 10:33, Jeremiah 13:15, Jeremiah 48:29-30, Daniel 4:37, Daniel 5:25-31, Matthew 23:12, 1 Peter 5:5
because of the thoughts of their hearts: see also Genesis 6:5, Genesis 8:21, Deuteronomy 29:19-20, Jeremiah 18:12, Romans 1:21, 2 Corinthians 10:5
52. he has toppled the mighty from their thrones and exalted the lowly:
"The Lord overthrows the thrones of rulers, and enthrones the lowly in their place." Sirach 10:14 NRSVA
And this Son of Man whom thou hast seenShall raise up the kings and the mighty from their seats,[And the strong from their thrones]And shall loosen the reins of the strong,And break the teeth of the sinners.[And he shall put down the kings from their thrones and kingdoms]Because they do not extol and praise Him,Nor humbly acknowledge whence the kingdom was bestowed upon them.And he shall put down the countenance of the strong,And shall fill them with shame. Enoch 46:4-6
See also Luke 18:14, 1 Samuel 2:8, 1 Kings 16:2-3, Esther 6:11, Job 5:11-13, Job 22:29, Job 34:24-28, Psalm 75:7, Psalm 107:40-41, Psalm 113:6-8, Psalm 136:23, Proverbs 3:34, Ecclesiastes 4:14, Isaiah 2:11-12, Isaiah 2:17, Isaiah 22:19, Isaiah 40:23, Ezekiel 17:24, Ezekiel 21:26, Daniel 2:21, Daniel 5:20, Amos 9:11, Matthew 23:12, Mark 6:3, James 1:9-10, James 4:6, James 4:10, 1 Peter 5:6
53. He has satisfied the hungry with good things: see also Luke 6:21, Luke 14:12, 1 Samuel 2:5, Psalm 34:10, Psalm 37:25, Psalm 68:10, Psalm 72:12-14, Psalm 107:8-9, Psalm 132:15, Psalm 146:6-7, Isaiah 42:5-9, Jeremiah 31:25, Ezekiel 34:29, Matthew 5:6, Matthew 14:20, Matthew 15:37, Mark 8:8, John 6:11-13, John 6:35, James 2:5, Revelation 7:16-17
and sent the rich away empty: see also Luke 6:24, Luke 12:16-21, Luke 16:19-25, Luke 18:11-14, Luke 18:24-25, 1 Samuel 2:7-8, Matthew 19:24, Mark 10:25, 1 Corinthians 1:26, 1 Corinthians 4:8, James 2:6, James 5:1-6, Revelation 3:17-18
54. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering his mercy: The whole of Israel was the servant of God (Isaiah 42:1-4) but they failed in their service (Isaiah 42:18-19) so God chose one member of Israel to specifically take the role of servant (Isaiah 49:5-7). The word eleos shows up here again, just like in verse 50 above. See also Luke 1:70-75, Genesis 17:7, Exodus 6:5, Exodus 32:13, 1 Kings 8:56, 2 Kings 13:23, 2 Chronicles 6:14, Psalm 25:6, Psalm 98:3, Psalm 105:42, Isaiah 44:21, Isaiah 46:3-4, Isaiah 49:14-16, Isaiah 54:6-10, Isaiah 63:7-16, Jeremiah 31:3, Jeremiah 31:20, Jeremiah 33:24-26, Micah 7:20, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Zechariah 9:9-11, Acts 13:32, Romans 9:4, Romans 15:8, Galatians 3:18
55. to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he spoke to our ancestors: see also Genesis 12:3, Genesis 17:7, Genesis 17:19, Genesis 22:18, Genesis 26:4, Genesis 28:14, Exodus 32:13, Deuteronomy 7:7-8, Deuteronomy 7:12, Deuteronomy 9:5, 1 Kings 8:15, 1 Kings 8:56, 2 Kings 13:23, Psalm 98:3, Psalm 105:6-10, Psalm 132:11-17, Micah 7:20, John 1:17, Acts 5:30, Acts 13:32, Romans 11:28-29, Galatians 3:16, Galatians 3:17, Hebrews 1:1
56. And Mary stayed with her about three months; then she returned to her home: Mary probably stayed with Elizabeth until her baby John was born. Elizabeth surely needed assistance with pregnancy and childbirth. See also Exodus 2:2, 2 Samuel 6:11, 2 Samuel 24:13, 2 Kings 23:31, 2 Kings 24:8, 1 Chronicles 13:14, 1 Chronicles 21:12, 2 Chronicles 36:2, 2 Chronicles 36:9, Amos 4:7, Acts 7:20, Acts 19:8, Acts 28:11, Hebrews 11:23
There are strong parallels between Mary's song (The Magnificat, verses 46-55) and Hannah's song (1 Samuel 2:1-10). Isaiah 42:5-9 also might be a source text. The literary structure of this passage is available here.
The Magnificat reminds me of this song:
It is also apropos to mention the third verse of O Holy Night, the great abolitionist Christmas carol:
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother,
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we;
Let all within us praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! O praise His name forever!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!
The Good Shepherd by Henry Ossawa Tanner, 1917, Crystal Bridges. Henry Ossawa Tanner is an artist that everyone should learn about, and there is a lovely smarthistory video about this piece. This is a representation of Micah 5:4.
Micah 5:2-5
CSB
Bethlehem Ephrathah,
you are small among the clans of Judah;
one will come from you
to be ruler over Israel for me.
His origin is from antiquity,
from ancient times.
Therefore, Israel will be abandoned until the time
when she who is in labor has given birth;
then the rest of the ruler’s brothers will return
to the people of Israel.
He will stand and shepherd them
in the strength of the Lord,
in the majestic name of the Lord his God.
They will live securely,
for then his greatness will extend
to the ends of the earth.
He will be their peace.
When Assyria invades our land,
when it marches against our fortresses,
we will raise against it seven shepherds,
even eight leaders of men.
Who wrote Micah: this book is collection of the prophecies of Mikayahu (Micah) of Moresheth-Gath, a city in Judah whose location has not been positively identified by scholars
Who Micah was written to: Jewish people who had not been following God's teachings
When Micah was written: Mikayahu lived circa 750–700 BCE; he was a contemporary of Isaiah, Amos, and Hosea
The purpose of the book of Micah: Mikayahu is providing instructions and hope for how to live after the events that he and other prophets have warned about occur
Things I noticed:
Who Micah was written to: Jewish people who had not been following God's teachings
When Micah was written: Mikayahu lived circa 750–700 BCE; he was a contemporary of Isaiah, Amos, and Hosea
The purpose of the book of Micah: Mikayahu is providing instructions and hope for how to live after the events that he and other prophets have warned about occur
Things I noticed:
2. Bethlehem: Bethlehem (BETH-lih-hem) was the birthplace of both David and Jesus. It is about a 2-hour walk south of Jerusalem (less than 10 kilometers). See also Judges 12:8, Judges 17:7, Ruth 1:1-2, 1 Samuel 16:4, Matthew 2:1, Matthew 2:6, John 7:42
Ephrathah: Ephrath or Ephrathah (EF-ruh-thuh) is the earliest name for Bethlehem. See also Genesis 35:16, Genesis 35:19, Genesis 48:7, Ruth 4:11, 1 Samuel 17:12, 1 Chronicles 2:50-51, 1 Chronicles 2:54, 1 Chronicles 4:4, Psalm 132:6
you are small among the clans of Judah:
"you should have been the lowest of the clans of Judah—You should have been the lowest of the clans of Judah because of the stigma of Ruth the Moabitess in you." Rashi on Micah 5:1.2
Judah (JOO-duh) was the southern portion of Israel. See also 1 Samuel 23:23, Jeremiah 33:14, Hebrews 7:14
one will come from you: see also Isaiah 11:1, Isaiah 53:2, Ezekiel 17:22-24, Amos 9:11, Matthew 11:3, Matthew 21:5, Luke 2:4-7, Luke 7:19, 1 Corinthians 1:27-28, Revelation 1:4
to be ruler over Israel for me: see also Genesis 49:10, 1 Chronicles 5:2, Isaiah 9:6-7, Jeremiah 30:21, Ezekiel 34:23-24, Ezekiel 37:22-25, Zechariah 9:9, Matthew 28:18, Luke 1:31-33, Luke 23:2, Luke 23:38, John 1:49, John 19:14-22, Revelation 19:16
His origin is from antiquity, from ancient times:
Another verse says, "But thou, Bethlehem Ephrathah, which art to be least among the thousands of Judah, from thee shall he come forth unto me who is to be ruler over Israel; whose ancestry belongs to the past, even to the days of old" (Micah 5:2). "The past," whilst as yet the world had not been created. Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer 3:4
See also Deuteronomy 33:27, Psalm 55:19, Psalm 90:2, Psalm 93:2, Psalm 102:25-27, Proverbs 8:22-23, Isaiah 43:13, Daniel 7:9, Habakkuk 1:12, John 1:1-3, John 1:15, John 8:58, Colossians 1:17, 1 Timothy 1:17, Hebrews 13:8, 1 Peter 1:20, 1 John 1:1, Revelation 1:11-18, Revelation 2:8, Revelation 21:6
3. Therefore, Israel will be abandoned until the time: see also Micah 6:14, Micah 7:13, 1 Kings 14:16, 2 Chronicles 30:7, Hosea 2:9, Hosea 2:14, Hosea 11:8
when she who is in labor has given birth: see also Micah 4:10, Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 66:7-8, Matthew 1:21, Galatians 4:4, Revelation 12:1-2, Revelation 12:5
then the rest: see also Micah 5:7, Micah 4:7, Micah 7:18, Isaiah 10:20-21, Isaiah 11:11, Jeremiah 31:1, Jeremiah 31:7-9, Amos 5:15, Zephaniah 2:7, Romans 9:27-28, Romans 11:4-6
of the ruler’s brothers will return to the people of Israel: see also Matthew 12:50, Matthew 25:40, Romans 8:29
4. He will stand and shepherd them in the strength of the Lord: see also Micah 7:14, 2 Samuel 5:2, 2 Samuel 7:7, 1 Chronicles 11:2, 1 Chronicles 17:6, Psalm 23:1-2, Psalm 28:9, Isaiah 40:10-11, Isaiah 49:9-10, Jeremiah 3:15, Jeremiah 23:4, Jeremiah 31:10, Ezekiel 34:22-24, Ezekiel 37:24, Zephaniah 3:13, Matthew 2:6, John 10:11, John 10:27-30, Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:2, Revelation 7:17
in the majestic name: see also Exodus 23:21, 1 Chronicles 29:11-12, Ezra 5:1, Job 37:22, Psalm 45:3-6, Psalm 72:19, Psalm 93:1, Psalm 145:12, Zechariah 6:13, Matthew 25:31, John 5:22-29, John 10:38, John 14:9-11, Hebrews 1:3, Hebrews 8:1, Revelation 1:13-18
of the Lord his God: see also John 20:17, Ephesians 1:3
They will live securely: see also Matthew 16:18, 1 Peter 1:5, Jude 1:1
for then his greatness will extend to the ends of the earth: This could be referring to the kingdom extending throughout the whole earth or it could be merely that news of the greatness spreads throughout the entire earth. See also Psalm 22:27, Psalm 67:7, Psalm 72:8, Psalm 98:3, Isaiah 24:16, Isaiah 49:5, Isaiah 52:10, Zechariah 9:10, Malachi 1:11, Mark 1:28, Luke 1:32, Revelation 11:15
5. He will be their peace: see also Numbers 6:26, Psalm 72:7, Isaiah 9:6-7, Isaiah 26:3, Haggai 2:9, Zechariah 9:10, Luke 2:14, John 14:27, John 16:33, Ephesians 2:14-17, Colossians 1:20-21, Hebrews 7:2
When Assyria invades our land, when it marches against our fortresses: The Assyrians invaded in 701 BCE and unsuccessfully laid siege to Jerusalem. See also Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 8:7-10, Isaiah 37:31-36, Isaiah 65:8, Jeremiah 33:15
we will raise against it: see also Isaiah 30:31, Isaiah 32:1-2, Isaiah 44:28, Isaiah 59:19, Nahum 1:13, Zechariah 1:18-21, Zechariah 9:13, Zechariah 10:3, Zechariah 10:11, Zechariah 12:6, Revelation 17:14, Revelation 19:14
seven shepherds, even eight leaders of men: Perhaps these shepherds or leaders of men are the angels mentioned in 2 Kings 19:35. The siege of Jerusalem is not recorded as having been thwarted by any human leader in the Bible or in Sennacherib's Prism or in any ancient historical account, such as Herodotus or Josephus. See also Job 5:19, Proverbs 6:16, Proverbs 30:18, Proverbs 30:29, Ecclesiastes 11:2, Amos 1:3, Amos 1:6
The literary structure of this passage is available here.
Page 233, Psalm 80 from St. Albans Psalter possibly by Roger d'Aubigny, 12th century, Hildesheim cathedral. Click on the link to read an explanation of the symbolism of this art.
Le bon pasteur - The Good Shepherd by James Tissot, 1886 to 1896, Brooklyn Museum. This is a representation of Psalm 80:1.
detail of stained glass window with God's Shining Face by Georges Millereau, 16th century, Basilique Saint-Nicolas, Saint-Nicolas-de-Port. This is for Psalm 80:3, Psalm 80:7, and Psalm 80:19.
Red Vineyard at Arles (Montmajour) by Vincent van Gogh, 1888, Pushkin Museum. This is a representation of a vine[yard] as found in Psalm 80:8-16. This painting is notable in that it is the only painting that we are certain that Vincent van Gogh sold during his lifetime.
Pilgrimage to the Cedars in Lebanon by Tivadar Csontváry Kosztka, 1907, Szépművészeti Múzeum. This is a representation of Psalm 80:10.
Wild Boars in the Snow by Rosa Bonheur, circa 1872–1877, Cleveland Museum of Art. This is a representation of Psalm 80:13.
Psalm 80
CSB
Listen, Shepherd of Israel,
who leads Joseph like a flock;
you who sit enthroned between the cherubim,
shine on Ephraim,
Benjamin, and Manasseh.
Rally your power and come to save us.
Restore us, God;
make your face shine on us,
so that we may be saved.
Lord God of Armies,
how long will you be angry
with your people’s prayers?
You fed them the bread of tears
and gave them a full measure
of tears to drink.
You put us at odds with our neighbors;
our enemies mock us.
Restore us, God of Armies;
make your face shine on us, so that we may be saved.
You dug up a vine from Egypt;
you drove out the nations and planted it.
You cleared a place for it;
it took root and filled the land.
The mountains were covered by its shade,
and the mighty cedars with its branches.
It sent out sprouts toward the Sea
and shoots toward the River.
Why have you broken down its walls
so that all who pass by pick its fruit?
Boars from the forest tear at it
and creatures of the field feed on it.
Return, God of Armies.
Look down from heaven and see;
take care of this vine,
the root your right hand planted,
the son that you made strong for yourself.
It was cut down and burned;
they perish at the rebuke of your countenance.
Let your hand be with the man at your right hand,
with the son of man
you have made strong for yourself.
Then we will not turn away from you;
revive us, and we will call on your name.
Restore us, Lord, God of Armies;
make your face shine on us, so that we may be saved.
Who wrote this Psalm? attributed to Asaph (pronounced AY-saf), a Levite who was the head/founder of the temple singers guild, for lack of a better descriptor. It could also be that the members of the guild he founded wrote it.
Who was this Psalm written for? for corporate lament; a prayer for restoration
When was this Psalm written? Asaph was appointed by King David, so he would have lived around the 10th century BC/BCE; the guild was in operation during First and Second Temple periods. This was most likely written either during exile in Babylon or right after the return from exile.
What is the purpose of the book of Psalms? The Psalms are songs for worship, both public and private.
Things I noticed:
Who was this Psalm written for? for corporate lament; a prayer for restoration
When was this Psalm written? Asaph was appointed by King David, so he would have lived around the 10th century BC/BCE; the guild was in operation during First and Second Temple periods. This was most likely written either during exile in Babylon or right after the return from exile.
What is the purpose of the book of Psalms? The Psalms are songs for worship, both public and private.
Things I noticed:
1. Listen, Shepherd of Israel, who leads Joseph like a flock; you who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine: Joseph is a poetic reference to the northern kingdom of Israel. Sitting enthroned between the cherubim is a reference to God sitting on the Ark of the Covenant. Cherubim at this time were believed to have animal bodies, human heads, and bird wings. See also Psalm 23:1-3, Psalm 28:9, Psalm 44:11, Psalm 44:22, Psalm 45:1, Psalm 49:14, Psalm 50:2, Psalm 74:1, Psalm 77:20, Psalm 78:52, Psalm 79:13, Psalm 94:1, Psalm 95:7, Psalm 99:1, Psalm 100:3, Psalm 107:41, Genesis 48:15, Genesis 49:22, Genesis 49:24, Exodus 25:20-22, Numbers 27:15-18, Deuteronomy 33:2, 1 Samuel 4:4, 2 Samuel 6:2, 1 Kings 6:23-28, 1 Kings 22:17, 2 Kings 19:15, 2 Chronicles 18:16, Isaiah 40:11, Isaiah 49:9-10, Isaiah 53:6, Isaiah 60:1, Isaiah 63:11, Jeremiah 12:3, Jeremiah 13:17, Jeremiah 23:1, Jeremiah 31:9, Ezekiel 1:5-28, Ezekiel 10:1-22, Ezekiel 34:11-31, Ezekiel 36:37, Ezekiel 43:2, Micah 2:12, Micah 7:14, Zechariah 9:16, Zechariah 10:2, John 10:3-4, John 10:14, Hebrews 13:20, 1 Peter 2:25, 1 Peter 5:4, Revelation 21:23
2. On Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh. Rally your power and come to save us: Ephraim (EE-fra-ihm), Benjamin, and Manasseh (Muh-NASS-uh) were three tribes of Israel which were composed of Rachel's sons' and grandsons' descendants. Joseph (Rachel's firstborn) had two sons: Ephraim and Manasseh. Joseph's brother (the second-born son) was Benjamin. Ephraim and Manasseh were part of the northern kingdom of Israel while Benjamin was a part of the southern kingdom of Judah. See also Psalm 35:23, Psalm 44:23-26, Psalm 78:38, Numbers 2:18-24, Numbers 10:22-24, Isaiah 25:9, Isaiah 33:22, Isaiah 42:13-14
3. Restore us, God; make your face shine on us, so that we may be saved: see also Psalm 4:6, Psalm 31:16, Psalm 44:3, Psalm 67:1, Psalm 85:4, Psalm 119:135, Exodus 14:20, Numbers 6:25-26, 1 Kings 18:37, Isaiah 64:5, Jeremiah 4:14, Jeremiah 31:18-19, Lamentations 5:21, Luke 1:16, 2 Timothy 2:25-26, Revelation 22:54. Lord God of Armies, how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?: see also Psalm 74:1, Psalm 85:5, Deuteronomy 29:20, Isaiah 58:2-3, Isaiah 58:6-9, Lamentations 3:44, Matthew 15:22-28, Luke 18:1-8
5. You fed them the bread of tears and gave them a full measure of tears to drink: They have nothing to eat or drink other than their own tears; the word translated here as bread can also be translated as food in general (since bread was the primary source of calories in the ancient near east). See also Psalm 42:3, Psalm 102:9, Job 6:7, Isaiah 30:20, Ezekiel 4:16-17
6. You put us at odds with our neighbors; our enemies mock us: see also Psalm 27:2, Psalm 31:13, Psalm 44:13-14, Psalm 79:4, Judges 16:25, Isaiah 36:12-20, Isaiah 37:23, Jeremiah 15:10, Jeremiah 48:27, Ezekiel 36:4, Revelation 11:10
7. Restore us, God of Armies; make your face shine on us, so that we may be saved: Verse 7 is nearly identical to verses 3 and 19.
8. You dug up a vine from Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it: This is a poetic description of the exodus of the Jewish people from Egypt and transplantation in Canaan. See also Psalm 44:2, Psalm 74:2, Psalm 78:55, Genesis 49:22, Exodus 15:17, Exodus 15:22, Exodus 32:11-12, Joshua 24:12, Joshua 24:18, Isaiah 5:1-7, Isaiah 27:2-3, Jeremiah 2:21, Jeremiah 6:9, Jeremiah 12:10-13, Jeremiah 18:9-10, Ezekiel 15:1-8, Ezekiel 17:1-10, Ezekiel 19:10-14, Hosea 9:10, Hosea 10:1, Hosea 14:7, Matthew 21:33-41, John 15:1-11
9. You cleared a place for it; it took root and filled the land: see also Psalm 105:44, Exodus 23:28-30, Joshua 23:13-15, Joshua 24:12, 1 Kings 4:20, 1 Kings 4:25, Nehemiah 9:22-25, Isaiah 27:6, Isaiah 37:31, Jeremiah 12:2
10. The mountains were covered by its shade, and the mighty cedars with its branches: see also Psalm 104:16
11. It sent out sprouts toward the Sea and shoots toward the River: The Sea in question would likely be the Mediterranean and the River would generally refer to the Euphrates, but it could be the Jordan River. It could also be a reference to the primal waters of chaos and disorder, which God subdued at Creation (Genesis 1:6-10, Genesis 7:11). See also Psalm 72:8, Psalm 89:25, Genesis 15:18, Exodus 23:31, 1 Kings 4:21, 1 Kings 4:24, 1 Chronicles 18:3
12. Why have you broken down its walls so that all who pass by pick its fruit?: see also Psalm 89:40-41, Exodus 32:11-12, Isaiah 5:1-7, Isaiah 18:5-6, Nahum 2:2, Luke 20:16
13. Boars from the forest tear at it and creatures of the field feed on it: see also Psalm 89:40-41, 2 Kings 18:1-19:37, 2 Kings 24:1-25:30, 2 Chronicles 32:1-33, 2 Chronicles 36:1-23, Jeremiah 4:7, Jeremiah 39:1-3, Jeremiah 51:34, Jeremiah 52:7, Jeremiah 52:12-14
14. Return, God of Armies. Look down from heaven and see; take care of this vine: see also Psalm 7:7, Psalm 33:13, Psalm 90:3, Psalm 90:13, Psalm 102:19, Job 28:24, Isaiah 63:15-17, Isaiah 63:15, Jeremiah 3:11-18, Jeremiah 8:4-6, Lamentations 3:50, Daniel 9:16-19, Joel 2:14, Malachi 3:7, Acts 15:16
15. the root your right hand planted, the son that you made strong for yourself: see also verse 8 above, Psalm 89:21, Isaiah 5:1-7, Isaiah 11:1, Isaiah 49:5, Jeremiah 2:21, Jeremiah 23:5-6, Ezekiel 17:22-24, Zechariah 3:8, Zechariah 6:12, Mark 12:1, John 15:1
16. It was cut down and burned; they perish at the rebuke of your countenance: see also Psalm 39:11, Psalm 76:6-7, Psalm 79:5, Psalm 90:7, Isaiah 5:1-7, Isaiah 27:11, Ezekiel 17:9, Ezekiel 20:47-48, John 15:6, 2 Thessalonians 1:9
17. Let your hand be with the man at your right hand, with the son of man you have made strong for yourself: This is very similar to verse 15 above. "Your hand be with" is a metaphor for God using saving power. The right hand symbolizes either a prominent or favored position or the location of the defender of a king (king's champion or chief bodyguard). The son of man could be referring to all of Israel, the Davidic king, the Davidic king as a representative for all of Israel, the Messiah, and/or Zerubbabel who led the Jews back from captivity in Babylon. See also Psalm 8:4, Psalm 89:21, Psalm 98:1, Psalm 110:1, Psalm 146:3, Genesis 49:22, Exodus 15:6, Ezra 8:31, Daniel 7:13-14, Hosea 11:1, Micah 6:8, John 5:21-29
18. Then we will not turn away from you; revive us, and we will call on your name: Calling on the name of the Lord is another way of saying worshipping the Lord. See also Psalm 79:13, Psalm 85:6, Psalm 119:25, Psalm 119:37, Psalm 119:40, Psalm 119:107, Psalm 119:154-156, Song of Songs 1:4, John 6:66-69, Ephesians 2:1-5, Philippians 2:12-13, Hebrews 10:38-39
19. Restore us, Lord, God of Armies; make your face shine on us, so that we may be saved: This is nearly identical to verses 3 and 7 above.
The literary structure of this Psalm is available here. "Restore us, God; make your face shine on us, so that we may be saved" is the key phrase of this psalm. We all need restoration and redemption.
Dedication of Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem - La dédicace par Salomon du temple by Michel Simonidy after James Tissot, circa 1896-1902, The Jewish Museum. This is a representation of the sacrifices mentioned in Hebrews 10:1-10.
Job Offering a Sacrifice on his Return to Prosperity by John Linnell, 1845, Fitzwilliam Museum. This is a representation of the sacrifices mentioned in Hebrews 10:1-10.
The Visual Commentary on Scripture has the page A Willing Victim from His Birth.
Hebrews 10:1-10
CSB
Since the law has only a shadow of the good things to come, and not the reality itself of those things, it can never perfect the worshipers by the same sacrifices they continually offer year after year. Otherwise, wouldn’t they have stopped being offered, since the worshipers, purified once and for all, would no longer have any consciousness of sins? But in the sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year after year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Therefore, as he was coming into the world, he said:
You did not desire sacrifice and offering,
but you prepared a body for me.
You did not delight
in whole burnt offerings and sin offerings.
Then I said, “See—
it is written about me
in the scroll—
I have come to do your will, God.”
After he says above, You did not desire or delight in sacrifices and offerings, whole burnt offerings and sin offerings (which are offered according to the law), he then says, See, I have come to do your will. He takes away the first to establish the second. By this will, we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all time.
Who wrote Hebrews: unattributed; Paul, Luke, Barnabus, Apollos, Silas, and Aquila/Priscilla are all theoretical authors. The author had never met Jesus but knew eyewitnesses to Jesus (Hebrews 2:3) and knew Timothy (Hebrews 13:23). I am skeptical that Paul wrote Hebrews because he signed his name to every other book that is attributed to him and the book uses significantly different language, arguments, and interpretations compared to Pauline books, and Paul also classified himself as an eyewitness to Jesus. From Hebrews 13:24, it appears that either the author was in Italy or his/her fellow congregation members were from Italy. The author certainly was intimately familiar with Jewish culture and beliefs and had likely spent significant time in Jerusalem.
Who Hebrews was written to: there is no addressee in the book and the book name "Hebrews" was first applied by Clement of Alexandria (circa 150-215 CE/AD)
When Hebrews was written: before the destruction of the Second Temple, which happened in 70 CE/AD (Hebrews 5:1-4, Hebrews 8:3-5, Hebrews 9:24-25, and Hebrews 10:1-3 all indicate that the sacrifices and other Temple functions were still happening)
The purpose of the book of Hebrews: to persuade Jewish people that Jesus is the better high priest of the order of Melchizedek whose priesthood is eternal and whose better sacrifice is eternal
Things I noticed:
Who Hebrews was written to: there is no addressee in the book and the book name "Hebrews" was first applied by Clement of Alexandria (circa 150-215 CE/AD)
When Hebrews was written: before the destruction of the Second Temple, which happened in 70 CE/AD (Hebrews 5:1-4, Hebrews 8:3-5, Hebrews 9:24-25, and Hebrews 10:1-3 all indicate that the sacrifices and other Temple functions were still happening)
The purpose of the book of Hebrews: to persuade Jewish people that Jesus is the better high priest of the order of Melchizedek whose priesthood is eternal and whose better sacrifice is eternal
Things I noticed:
1. Since the law has only a shadow of the good things to come, and not the reality itself of those things: This appears to be a reference to Plato's Allegory of the Cave, where everyone sees only shadows of the real reality. See also Hebrews 8:5, Hebrews 9:9-11, Hebrews 9:23, Matthew 5:17, Romans 8:3, Galatians 3:24, Ephesians 2:15, Colossians 2:17
it can never perfect the worshipers: see also verse 4 below, Hebrews 10:11-18, Hebrews 7:11, Hebrews 7:18-19, Hebrews 9:8-9
by the same sacrifices they continually offer year after year: see also verse 3 below, Hebrews 10:11-18, Hebrews 9:25, Isaiah 29:1, Ezekiel 46:15
2. Otherwise, wouldn’t they have stopped being offered, since the worshipers, purified once and for all, would no longer have any consciousness of sins: see also Hebrews 10:17-18, Hebrews 9:13-14, Leviticus 16:30, Psalm 103:12, Isaiah 43:25, Isaiah 44:22, Micah 7:19
3. But in the sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year after year: This is likely a reference to the Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) in particular. See also Hebrews 9:7, Exodus 30:10, Leviticus 16:6-11, Leviticus 16:21-22, Leviticus 16:29-30, Leviticus 16:34, Leviticus 23:27-28, Numbers 29:7-11, Nehemiah 10:34, Ezekiel 45:18, Matthew 26:28
4. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats: see also verse 8 below, Hebrews 6:4, Hebrews 6:18, Hebrews 9:9, Hebrews 9:12-13, Hebrews 9:19, Hebrews 11:6, Exodus 29:12, Leviticus 9:9, Leviticus 16:14, 1 Samuel 15:22, Psalm 50:8-12, Psalm 51:16, Isaiah 1:11-15, Isaiah 66:3, Jeremiah 6:20, Jeremiah 7:21-22, Ezekiel 43:18, Hosea 6:6, Amos 5:21-22, Micah 6:5-8, Mark 12:33
to take away sins: see also Hebrews 10:11, Hebrews 9:12-13, Ezekiel 18:22, Hosea 14:2, Matthew 26:28, John 1:29, John 13:8, Acts 13:38, Romans 3:25, Romans 11:27, Ephesians 1:7, 1 John 3:5
5. Therefore, as he was coming into the world, he said: This is the First Coming of Christ. See also Hebrews 1:6, Matthew 11:3, Luke 7:19, John 1:9, John 6:14, John 11:27, John 12:46, John 16:28, John 18:37
You did not desire sacrifice and offering: see also 1 Samuel 15:22-23, Psalm 40:6-8, Psalm 50:7-23, Psalm 51:16-17, Proverbs 15:8, Proverbs 21:3, Isaiah 1:10-11, Isaiah 29:13-14, Isaiah 58:1-10, Jeremiah 6:20, Jeremiah 11:15, Hosea 6:6, Joel 2:12-13, Amos 5:21-27, Micah 6:5-8, Zechariah 7:5-7, Matthew 9:13, Matthew 12:7
but you prepared a body for me: see also verse 10 below, Hebrews 2:14, Hebrews 8:3, Genesis 3:15, Psalm 40:6-8, Isaiah 7:14, Jeremiah 31:22, Matthew 1:20-23, Luke 1:35, John 1:14, John 6:51, Galatians 4:4, 1 Timothy 3:16, 1 John 4:2-3, 2 John 1:7
6. You did not delight: see also Psalm 51:16, Psalm 147:11, Proverbs 8:31, Ecclesiastes 5:4, Malachi 1:10, Matthew 3:17, Ephesians 5:2, Philippians 4:18
in whole burnt offerings and sin offerings: see also verse 4 above, Leviticus 1, Leviticus 2, Leviticus 3, Leviticus 4, Leviticus 5, Leviticus 6
7. Then I said, See—it is written about me in the scroll: see also Genesis 3:15, Psalm 40:7
I have come to do your will, God: see also verses 9 and 10 below, Matthew 6:10, Mark 14:36, Luke 22:42, John 4:34, John 5:30, John 6:38-39, John 9:31, John 11:27, John 12:27, John 14:31, John 15:10, Philippians 2:8
8. After he says above, You did not desire or delight in sacrifices and offerings, whole burnt offerings and sin offerings which are offered according to the law: see also verses 5 and 6 above
9. he then says, See, I have come to do your will. He takes away the first to establish the second: see also Hebrews 7:18-19, Hebrews 8:7-13, Hebrews 9:11-14, Hebrews 12:27-28, Galatians 1:4, Colossians 2:14
10. By this will, we have been sanctified: see also Hebrews 10:29, Hebrews 2:11, Hebrews 13:12, Zechariah 13:1, Matthew 26:42, Luke 22:42, John 4:34, John 5:30, John 6:38-40, John 17:19, John 19:34, Acts 26:18, 1 Corinthians 1:2, 1 Corinthians 1:30, 1 Corinthians 6:11, Galatians 1:3-4, Ephesians 1:5-11, Ephesians 5:26, 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 1 John 5:6
through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all time: see also verse 5 above, Hebrews 10:12, Hebrews 10:14, Hebrews 10:20, Hebrews 7:27, Hebrews 9:12, Hebrews 9:26, Hebrews 9:28, Isaiah 53:5, Ephesians 5:2
The literary structure of this passage is available here.
Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and as we are sorely hindered by our sins from running the race that is set before us, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
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