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2017, September 10 ~ Exodus 12:1-14; Ezekiel 33:7-11; Romans 13:8-14

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During the 2017 Pentecost Season, alternative readings from the Hebrew Bible are offered. Scripture in Context will discuss both readings and the reading from the Christian Scriptures.

Exodus 12:1-14

The Book of Exodus is the second book of the Bible, and covers the period from the slavery in Egypt under Pharaoh (around 1250 BCE, if the account is historical), the Exodus itself, and the early months in the Wilderness.

Today’s reading comes after Pharaoh’s 9th refusal to free the Israelites, and comes just before the final plague (death of the firstborn). It gives detailed instructions for the first Passover. Like Genesis, Exodus contains portions that were written around 950 BCE and parts that were written as late as 450 BCE by the Priestly writers. The directions here are presented as being given by YHWH to both Moses and Aaron (the first priest). Like almost all Priestly writings, it contains specific details as to dates for observances.

The sacrifice of the Passover lamb was integral to the deliverance of the Israelites, but was not as a means of atonement. The Fourth Gospel describes Jesus as “the Lamb of God” and the means of deliverance.

Ezekiel 33:7-11

Ezekiel is one of the three “Major” Prophets – so called because of the length of the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Ezekiel was a priest who was among the first group of persons deported by the Babylonians when they captured Jerusalem in 597 BCE.

The Book of Ezekiel is in three parts: (1) Chapters 1 to 24 are prophesies of doom against Jerusalem before the destruction of the Temple in 586 BCE; (2) Chapters 25 to 32 are prophesies against foreign nations; and (3) Chapters 33 to 48 are prophesies of hope for the Judeans written during the Babylonian Exile (586-539 BCE).

Here, YHWH is presented as referring to Ezekiel as Israel’s “sentinel” to warn the people to turn from their wicked ways (v.8). The emphasis in the Book of Ezekiel is on personal responsibility rather than seeing the acts of prior generations as the cause of the current situation. This was a new development in the Theology of Ancient Israel. Ezekiel also presents repentance as the way to a restored life.

Romans 13:8-14

Paul’s letter to the Romans is his longest, last, and theologically most complex letter, written in the late 50s or early 60s (CE) – about ten years before the first Gospel (Mark) was written. One of Paul’s goals was to reduce tensions and eliminate distinctions between the Jewish Jesus Followers in Rome and Gentile Jesus Followers there.

Paul exhorts the Jesus Follower Community in Rome to follow the Commandments, particularly to love one another as neighbors. Like most early Jesus Followers, Paul believed that Christ would return soon (“salvation is nearer to us now”). Paul uses “the flesh” as his code word for the values of the world – values not consistent with living in the Lord Christ Jesus (v. 14).

2017, September 3 ~ Exodus 3:1-15; Jeremiah 15:15-21; Romans 12:9-21

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During the 2017 Pentecost Season, alternative readings from the Hebrew Bible are offered. Scripture in Context will discuss both readings and the reading from the Christian Scriptures.

Exodus 3:1-15

The Book of Exodus is the second book of the Bible, and covers the period from the slavery in Egypt under Pharaoh (around 1250 BCE, if the account is historical), the Exodus itself, and the early months in the Wilderness.

Today’s reading is the first account of the Call of Moses (the other is in Exodus 6). Prior to today’s reading, Moses fled from Egypt to Midian where he met his wife, Zipporah, at a well (naturally). While tending his father-in-law’s flocks, he encountered a Burning Bush, heard a voice, and asked God’s name.

In the Bible, names describe a person’s qualities, and having power to name someone shows the ability to control them. When Moses asks for God’s name, the elliptical response is “YHWH” which is a form of the Hebrew word “to be.” The name shows God is not to be controlled. YHWH is variously translated as “I AM WHAT I AM” or “I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE” or “I AM BECOMING WHAT I AM BECOMING.” One of the great insights of the Hebrew Bible is that YHWH is a God of Mystery and is active (as a verb is active) and not fixed like a noun.

Jeremiah 15:15-21

After the righteous King Josiah was killed in battle in 609 BCE, the fortunes of Judea took a sharp downward turn. Babylon threatened Judea’s existence, and Judea had a series of hapless kings from 609 until Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BCE. The Babylonians deported some Judean leaders in 597 and a larger number of them in 586 (the beginning of the Babylonian Exile). Jeremiah’s prophesy (i.e. speaking for Yahweh) began around 609 and continued until 586 BCE when he died in Egypt.

Jeremiah’s predictions of harsh times for Judea and Jerusalem were opposed by the kings and the “court prophets.” Jeremiah was ridiculed and mistreated. Today’s reading is a lament by Jeremiah (vv. 15-18) to which YHWH replies that Jeremiah will be delivered and redeemed (v. 21). Because of Jeremiah’s laments, the Book of Lamentations is sometimes incorrectly attributed to him.

Romans 12:9-21

Paul’s letter to the Romans is his longest, last, and theologically most complex letter, written in the late 50s or early 60s (CE) – about ten years before the first Gospel (Mark) was written. One of Paul’s goals was to reduce tensions and eliminate distinctions between the Jewish Jesus Followers in Rome and Gentile Jesus Followers there.

Building on his prior discussions, Paul urges all the Jesus Followers in Rome to love one another (v.10) and live in harmony (v.16). In verse 19, Paul paraphrases Deuteronomy 32:35 to say “vengeance” is God’s, but a better translation of the Hebrew is “vindication” because the idea in the Hebrew was justice (in the sense of making things right) rather than revenge.

2017, August 27 ~ Exodus 1:8-2:10; Isaiah 51:1-6; & Romans 12:1-8

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During the 2017 Pentecost Season, alternative readings from the Hebrew Bible are offered. Scripture in Context will discuss both readings and the reading from the Christian Scriptures.

Exodus 1:8-2:10

The Book of Exodus is the second book of the Bible, and covers the period from the slavery in Egypt under Pharaoh (around 1250 BCE, if the account is historical), the Exodus itself, and the early months in the Wilderness.

Today’s reading is the familiar story of the rescue of Moses by Pharaoh’s daughter from the reeds in the Nile River. The same story was told of Sargon of Akkad (2300 BCE) and likely was the model for the Moses story. In Hebrew, the word for “ark” in the Noah story is the same word used for “basket” (v.2:3) in the Moses story. (Just as Noah’s ark rescued humankind, Moses liberated the Israelites from Pharaoh.) Moses’ priestly role is emphasized by stating that both his father and mother were Levites (v. 2:1). Moses’ sister (v. 2:4 and 7) will later be identified as Miriam (15:20).

Isaiah 51:1-6

The Book of Isaiah is a composite of writings from three distinct periods in Israel’s history. Chapters 1-39 are called “First Isaiah” and were written by “Isaiah of Jerusalem” in the 20 years before Jerusalem was under direct siege by the Assyrians in 701 BCE. “Second Isaiah” is Chapters 40 to 55 and brings hope to the Judeans during the time of the Exile in Babylon (587 to 539 BCE) by telling them they have suffered enough and will return to Jerusalem. “Third Isaiah” is Chapters 56 to 66 and gives encouragement to the Judeans who returned to Jerusalem after the Exile.

Today’s reading is a powerful affirmation that the promise to Abraham (v.2) will be kept by YHWH, and Israel will be a teacher to the peoples (v.5). The word for “peoples” is sometimes translated as “nations” or “pagans” or “Gentiles” depending on the context.

Romans 12:1-8

Paul’s letter to the Romans is his longest, last, and theologically most complex letter, written in the late 50s or early 60s (CE) – about ten years before the first Gospel (Mark) was written. One of Paul’s goals was to reduce tensions and eliminate distinctions between the Jewish Jesus Followers in Rome and Gentile Jesus Followers there.

Today’s reading builds on the theology expressed in earlier chapters, and emphasizes that all members of the Jesus Follower Community in Rome are “brothers and sisters” (v.1). They should not be “conformed to this world” (v.2), which is another way Paul speaks of being “subject to the flesh” – having earthly values. Paul urges the Jewish and Gentile Jesus Followers to be humble (v.3). They are one body in Christ (v.5) with many members with separate roles to play (vv.6-8).

2017, August 20 ~ Genesis 45:1-15; Isaiah 56:1,6-8; & Romans 11:1-2a,29-32

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During the 2017 Pentecost Season, alternative readings from the Hebrew Bible are offered. Scripture in Context will discuss both readings and the reading from the Christian Scriptures.

Genesis 45:1-15

Today’s reading continues the story of Joseph. After being sold into slavery, he was sold to Potiphar, an officer of the Pharaoh who put him in charge of his house. Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce Joseph, then falsely accused him and had him imprisoned. When in prison, Joseph (with YHWH’s help) interpreted dreams for the Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker. Later, Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams and Pharaoh placed Joseph in charge of the nation. Joseph’s interpretation of the dreams was accurate and Egypt prepared for (and survived) a famine.

The famine also hit Israel, and Jacob sent his 10 oldest sons to Egypt where they bought grain. Joseph did not identify himself to them. When the grain ran out, and they went to Egypt again. After Joseph accused the brothers of stealing his silver cup, Judah agreed to be Joseph’s slave if Joseph would spare Jacob’s youngest and favorite son, Benjamin. Judah’s selflessness showed he was a true brother to Benjamin and his other brothers.

Hearing this affirmation of brotherhood, Joseph identified himself to his brothers in today’s emotional reading.

Isaiah 56:1, 6-8

The Book of Isaiah is a composite of writings from three distinct periods in Israel’s history. Chapters 1-39 are called “First Isaiah” and were written by “Isaiah of Jerusalem” in the 20 years before Jerusalem was under direct siege by the Assyrians in 701 BCE. “Second Isaiah” is Chapters 40 to 55 and brings hope to the Judeans during the time of the Exile in Babylon (587 to 539 BCE) by telling them they have suffered enough and will return to Jerusalem. “Third Isaiah” is Chapters 56 to 66 and gives encouragement to the Judeans who returned to Jerusalem after the Exile.

Today’s reading is part of Third Isaiah and is inclusive in tone. Speaking for YHWH, Isaiah affirms that foreigners who join themselves to YHWH and keep the sabbath will be joyful in YHWH’s house (v.7). The tension between the “exclusivists” (Ezra and Nehemiah) and the “inclusivist” books (Isaiah, Jonah and Ruth) continued into the First Century of the Common Era. Jesus of Nazareth is presented in the Gospels as an inclusivist.

Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32

Paul’s letter to the Romans is his longest, last, and theologically most complex letter, written in the late 50s or early 60s (CE) – about ten years before the first Gospel (Mark) was written.

One of Paul’s goals in this letter was to reduce tensions and eliminate distinctions between the Jewish Jesus Followers in Rome and Gentile Jesus Followers there.

In today’s reading, Paul reaffirms that he is an “Israelite” (v.1) and warns against arrogance by Gentile Jesus Followers (v.32). Paul was a Jew all his life and the Temple was active all during Paul’s life. Paul died in 63 CE and the Temple was destroyed in 70 CE.

2017, July 23 ~ Genesis 28:10-19a, Isaiah 44:6-8 & Romans 8:12-25

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During the 2017 Pentecost Season, alternative readings from the Hebrew Bible are offered. Scripture in Context will discuss both readings and the reading from the Christian Scriptures.

Genesis 28:10-19a

Today’s story occurred after Jacob (with Rebekah’s connivance) tricked Isaac into giving him the blessing that should have gone to Jacob’s older twin brother, Esau. Jacob and Esau parted company, and Isaac directed Jacob to go to Haran (where Abraham came from) to find a suitable (i.e. non-Canaanite) wife.

Enroute, Jacob dreamt of a ladder (or stairway) with angels descending and ascending from heaven to earth. In Jacob’s dream, YHWH stood beside Jacob and reaffirmed the promise of extensive lands and many offspring that was made to Abraham in various forms in Genesis 12.

When Jacob awoke, he said this was a holy place and the “house of God” (v.19). He named the place “Bethel” because in Hebrew, “Beth” means house (as in “Bethlehem” – house of bread), and “el” is the most ancient name for God. The suffix “el” appears in many names that have meanings “of God” such as Gabriel (God is my strength), Daniel (God is my judge) and the like.

Isaiah 44:6-8

The Book of Isaiah is a composite of writings from three distinct periods in Israel’s history. Chapters 1-39 are called “First Isaiah” and were written by “Isaiah of Jerusalem” in the 20 years before Jerusalem was under direct siege by the Assyrians in 701 BCE. “Second Isaiah” is Chapters 40 to 55 and brings hope to the Judeans during the time of the Exile in Babylon (587 to 539 BCE) by telling them they have suffered enough and will return to Jerusalem. “Third Isaiah” is Chapters 56 to 66 and gives encouragement to the Judeans who returned to Jerusalem after the Exile.

Today’s reading is part of Second Isaiah in which the prophet speaks for YHWH to the Judeans in Exile and reassures them that YHWH is “first and last” (v.6), unique (v.7) and the “rock” upon which they can rely (v.8).

Romans 8:12-25

Paul’s letter to the Romans is his longest, last, and theologically most complex letter. It was written in the late 50s or early 60s (CE) – about ten years before the first Gospel (Mark) was written.

Today’s reading continues Paul’s extended discussion of sin, the flesh, and the Spirit. For Paul, “the flesh” is our human tendency towards self-centeredness and self-interest. “Sin” is our personal egoism that leads to “death” (both spiritual and physical). Life in the Spirit of God (or the Spirit of Christ Jesus) leads to wholeness and life. Paul emphasizes that as children of God, we are heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ – if we suffer with him. This suffering can take many forms, including rejection by those who embrace the values of the world/the flesh. Paul also introduces the sense of “now, but not yet” in terms of the glory to be revealed, and that God’s purposes for us are greater than the present time would indicate.

2017, July 16 ~ Genesis 25:19-34, Isaiah 55:10-13 & Romans 8:1-11

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During the 2017 Pentecost Season, alternative readings from the Hebrew Bible are offered. Scripture in Context will discuss both readings and the reading from the Christian Scriptures.

Genesis 25:19-34

Today’s reading comes after the burial of Abraham by his sons Ishmael and Isaac, and a list of the 12 tribes descended from Ishmael residing in the deserts on both sides of the Red Sea.

The birth of Jacob and Esau is an etiology, a story of origins (in Greek, “etio” means a beginning and “logo” is a story). An anthropomorphic (humanlike) YHWH tells Rebekah she has two nations in her womb (v.23). Jacob (whose name means “supplanter”) will become the father of the 12 tribes of Israel, and Esau (whose name means “red”) will be the father of the Edomites, traditional enemies of Israel.

In the story, the younger son Jacob buys Esau’s “birthright” (blessing, family leadership and a double share of inheritance when Isaac dies) for a bowl of stew. Esau is presented as dull-witted, willing to give up his birthright because he is hungry. This is a slap at the Edomites whom Israel dominated during the reigns of David and Solomon (1005-930 BCE), and who pillaged Jerusalem during the middle years of the Babylonian Exile (587-539 BCE).

Isaiah 55:10-13

The Book of Isaiah is a composite of writings from three distinct periods in Israel’s history. Chapters 1-39 are called “First Isaiah” and were written by “Isaiah of Jerusalem” in the 20 years before Jerusalem was under direct siege by the Assyrians in 701 BCE. “Second Isaiah” is Chapters 40 to 55 and brings hope to the Judeans during the time of the Exile in Babylon (587 to 539 BCE) by telling them they have suffered enough and will return to Jerusalem. “Third Isaiah” is Chapters 56 to 66 and gives encouragement to the Judeans who returned to Jerusalem after the Exile.

Today’s reading is the closing verses of Second Isaiah. It emphasizes the effectiveness of YHWH’s word (v.11) and the joy the people will experience (v.12) when the Exile ends with the conquest of the Babylonians by Cyrus the Great of Persia in 539 BCE and the Return to Jerusalem.

Romans 8:1-11

Paul’s letter to the Romans is his longest, last and most complex letter. It was written in the late 50s or early 60s (CE) – about ten years before the first Gospel (Mark) was written.

Today’s reading continues Paul’s extended discussion of law, sin, the flesh, and the Spirit. For Paul, “the flesh” is our human tendency towards self-centeredness and self-interest. “Sin” is our personal egoism that leads to “death” (both spiritual and physical). (Paul takes literally the story of Adam’s disobedience as the cause of human mortality.) Life in the Spirit leads to wholeness and Eternal Life. Paul uses “law” in diverse ways – in some places, it means the Jewish Law, but in other contexts it means a “way of living” as in “the law of the Spirit in the life of Christ Jesus” and “the law of sin and death” (v.2).

2017, July 2 ~ Genesis 22:1-14, Jeremiah 28:5-9 & Romans 6:12-23

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During the 2017 Pentecost Season, alternative readings from the Hebrew Bible are offered. Scripture in Context will discuss both readings and the reading from the Christian Scriptures.

Genesis 22:1-14

Today’s reading is the story of the Near Sacrifice of Isaac, known to Jews as the Akedah (the Binding – based on verse 9). In the Quran, the same story appears, but the son whom Abraham was called to sacrifice was Ishmael, not Isaac.

Isaac’s age is not known. He is old enough to carry the wood (v.6) and discuss what will be sacrificed (v. 7). In some translations, he is called Abraham’s “only” son (vv.2 and 12), but in other translations, the word “only” is omitted and Isaac is referred to as Abraham’s “beloved” son. This recognizes that Abraham had another son, Ishmael, by Hagar (Sarah’s servant).

Abraham is described as having the “fear of God” (v.12). In the Hebrew Scriptures, this is generally understood as active obedience to the will of God (as one best discerns God’s will).

Jeremiah 28:5-9

After the righteous King Josiah was killed in battle in 609 BCE, the fortunes of Judea took a sharp downward turn. Babylon threatened Judea’s existence, and Judea had a series of hapless kings from 609 until Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BCE. The Babylonians deported some Judean leaders in 597 and a larger number of them in 586 (the beginning of the Babylonian Exile). Jeremiah’s prophesying (i.e. speaking for Yahweh) began around 609 and continued until 586 BCE when he died in Egypt.

Today’s reading is set in the period from 597 to 594 BCE. A false prophet, Hananiah, prophesied that the treasures from the Temple that were taken as spoils by the Babylonian King, Nebuchadnezzar, would be returned soon – even though Judah had not repented and Babylon was as strong as ever. In today’s verses and the ones that follow, Jeremiah says he hopes Hananiah’s prophesies would come true, but then denies that Hananiah has a commission from God and asserts that the Babylonians will enslave the Judeans.

Romans 6:12-23

Paul’s letter to the Romans is his longest, last and most complex letter. It was written in the late 50s or early 60s (CE) – about ten years before the first Gospel (Mark) was written.

Today’s reading continues Paul’s discussion of the effects of Baptism (which joins us in the death of Christ Jesus and unites us with him in overcoming death through resurrection). In speaking of “sin” (rather than “sins”), Paul is referring to the human propensity to assert our own ego and power rather than living as “instruments of righteousness” (v.13) i.e. living in right relationships with God and others. When Paul refers negatively to “the law,” he expresses the view that mere obedience to rules will not bring about human wholeness or salvation or righteousness or Eternal Life, terms which Paul uses interchangeably.

2017, June 11 ~ Genesis 1:1-2:3 & 2 Corinthians 13:5-14

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Genesis 1:1-2.3

The word “Genesis” means “origin” and the Book of Genesis starts with Creation and concludes with the death of Joseph (Jacob’s son) in Egypt. The Book is an amalgam of religious traditions, some of which are dated to about 950 BCE and some of which were developed as late as 450 BCE.

Today’s reading is the First Creation Story. (The Second Creation Story begins at 2.4 and tells of YHWH’s forming the earthling – adam – out of the fertile earth – adamah – and breathing life into the earthling.) Even the name of God is different in the Second Creation Story.

The First Creation Story is structured as seven days in which God — Elohim (literally, “the gods”) in the Hebrew – brings order (Shalom) to all reality by separating its component parts. It is noteworthy that creation is not presented as a creation out of nothing but rather an ordering of the earth, the waters, light and time. (The already-existing earth is described as formless and darkness covers the already-existing waters in verse 2.)

This Story is very similar in structure to the seven-day Babylonian Creation Story which the Jewish People encountered during the Babylonian Captivity (587-539 BCE). For this reason and because of the emphasis on the Sabbath on the seventh day, scholars agree that this First Creation Story was composed by the “Priestly” authors in the period from 550 to 450 BCE.

This reading is selected for Trinity Sunday because (among other things) the name of God in Hebrew in this account (Elohim) is a plural word (Hebrew words ending in “im” are plural) and because Verse 1:26 says “Let us make humankind in our image.” Christian interpreters have sometimes also seen “the wind from God” (v.2) as the Spirit of the Trinity.

2 Corinthians 13:5-14

Corinth, a large port city in Greece, was among the early Jesus Follower communities that Paul founded. Its culture was Hellenistic and emphasized reason, secular wisdom and a hierarchical structure in society. Paul’s relationship with the community was often strained.

Most scholars believe that the letter is a composite of several letters because Paul’s tone shifts so significantly within the letter. It moves from conciliatory (Chapter 2) to argumentative (3 to 5), to reconciling (6 and 7), to appealing for funds (8 and 9), to attacking “super-apostles” (11), to defensive regarding accusations he has enriched himself from the collections (12). Today’s reading is the concluding part of this Second Letter and is a mix of scolding and exhortation. For example, 13:2 and 13:10 are scolding and 13.11-12 are an appeal for good behavior on the part of the Corinthians.

2016, April 16 ~ Acts 10:34-43, Jeremiah 31:1-6 & Colossians 3:1-4

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Acts 10:34-43

The book called “The Acts of the Apostles” was written by the author of the Gospel According to Luke. The first 15 chapters of Acts are a didactic “history” of the early Jesus Follower Movement starting with an account of the Ascension of Jesus and ending (in Chapter 15) at the so-called Council of Jerusalem in 49 CE. According to Acts, at the Council, it was agreed by the elders of the Jesus Follower Movement that Gentiles did not have to be circumcised or keep all the kosher dietary laws in order to become Jesus Followers.

Today’s reading is a synopsis of the entire Gospel According to Luke, and is delivered by Peter when he is asked to baptize the Roman centurion, Cornelius. In the verses that follow today’s reading, Peter notes that Cornelius had received the Holy Spirit. He therefore baptized him, even though he was a Gentile. At the Council of Jerusalem, the Baptism of Cornelius was referred to by Peter as a reason for permitting Gentiles to become Jesus Followers (15:7-8).

Jeremiah 31:1-6

After the righteous King Josiah was killed in battle in 609 BCE, the fortunes of Judea took a sharp downward turn. Babylon threatened Judea’s existence, and Judea had a series of hapless kings from 609 until Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BCE. The Babylonians deported some Judean leaders in 597 and a larger number of them in 586 (the beginning of the Babylonian Exile). Jeremiah’s prophesy (i.e. speaking for Yahweh) began around 609 and continued until 586 BCE when he died in Egypt.

In today’s reading, the prophet speaks for YHWH to say that all the families of Israel (the 12 Tribes) will be restored, just as the Israelites were restored in the Exodus. They will again take their tambourines (v.4), just as Miriam (Moses’ sister) and the women used tambourines to celebrate passing through the Sea of Reeds (Ex. 15:20).

Colossians 3:1-4

Colossae was a town in what is now western Turkey. A Jesus Follower community was founded there by Paul’s associate, Epaphras (1:7). The letter is short and expresses concern about practices that were inconsistent with Paul’s understanding of being a Jesus Follower. Scholars debate whether it was written by Paul or his disciples in the decade after Paul’s death in 63 CE.

In today’s reading, the author expresses an eschatological vision – not the end of the world, but an end of the world as the Colossians knew it. He urges the Colossians, as persons who have already “been raised with Christ,” to focus on heavenly matters rather than earthly concerns. The statement “for you have died” (v.3) is a reference back to “If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the universe” (2:20) – you are no longer limited by the four primal elements.

2017, April 9 ~ Isaiah 50:4-9a & Philippians 2:5-11

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Isaiah 50:4-9a

The Book of Isaiah is a composite of writings from three distinct periods in Israel’s history. Chapters 1-39 are called “First Isaiah” and were written in the 20 years before Jerusalem was under direct siege by the Assyrians in 701 BCE. “Second Isaiah” is Chapters 40 to 55 and brings hope to the Judeans during the time of the Exile in Babylon (587 to 539 BCE) by telling them they have suffered enough and will return to Jerusalem. “Third Isaiah” is Chapters 56 to 66 and gives encouragement to the Judeans who returned to Jerusalem after the Exile.

Just before today’s reading, the prophet told the Judeans that YHWH has not broken the promises made to them, but their sin is the cause of their suffering and the Exile. The prophet asserts that he is YHWH’s agent to teach (v.4) the Judeans to pursue righteousness. He (sometimes understood as Judea) describes his suffering at the hands of the Babylonians, but because YHWH helps him, he has not been disgraced and will be vindicated (v.7).

Philippians 2:5-11

Philippi was a major city in Macedonia on the Roman road to Byzantium (Istanbul) and most of its inhabitants were Roman citizens. Paul has a deep affection for the Jesus Followers in Philippi, and thanks them for gifts sent to him in prison (4:18).

Today’s reading is derived from a hymn that was already in use in Jesus Follower communities, perhaps in a Baptism liturgy. Its statements are not only religious, they are also political. The Roman Caesars claimed to be “in the form of God” and (as rulers) to be the “Lord.”

By contrast, instead of exploiting his connectedness to God, Jesus took the form of a slave/servant and emptied himself (poured himself out) for others. For this, he has been highly exalted (resurrected). As the Christ/Messiah, he is also called “Lord” and at the name of Jesus, every knee should bend.