Isaiah 25:6 9

Commentary Isaiah 25:6-9 Isaiah 25:6 a feast of rich food – In a society that lived hand to mouth, the foods listed here are things people only dream of. We really do not have a complete itinerary of what we will do in heaven. A partial list of activities in heaven would include worshipping God (Revelation 22:3), praying to God (Isaiah 56:7), seeing God (Job 19:25-26), being comforted (Isaiah 25:8; Luke 16:25; Revelation 21:4), everyone will be full of joy (Isaiah 56:7, 65:19), and feasting (Isaiah 25:6). Since God is saving the universe, we can assume that this new life will include other activities. In other words, we will truly live as God intended us to live. The feeding of the five thousands also has echoes of Isaiah 25:61 Isaiah 25:7 He will destroy on this mountain the shroud that is cast over all peoples – The universal pallor that covers every body on earth is death. This foe of humanity will be defeated on the mountain of the L ORD. Isaiah 25:8 Then the L ORD God will wipe away the tears from all faces – Once death is gone, the L ORD will comfort the people of God. Isaiah 25:9 we have waited for him, so that he might save us. – The prophet states that the people know two things. First, that the arrival of the L ORD takes some time. Secondly, the relief of the pain happens at this time.

Psalm 24 Psalm 24:1 The earth is the L ORD’s and all that is in it – The psalmist makes the assertion that the entire world belongs to the L ORD. Psalm 24:2 for he has founded it on the seas – The world view of the author is that the land floats on the water. That is why the foundation is on the sea. Psalm 24:3 Who shall ascend the hill of the L ORD? – The power that the L ORD has is frightening. 1 S.J. Daniel J. Harrington; Idem, editor, The Gospel of Matthew, Volume 1, Sacra Pagina, (Collegeville, Minnesota: The Liturgical Press, 1991), p. 221.

1

Psalm 24:4 Those who have clean hands and pure hearts – It seems that those who are blameless may ascend the holy mountain. Psalm 24:5 They will receive blessing from the L ORD – The L ORD gives gifts to those people who live according to the Word of the L ORD. Psalm 24:6 Such is the company of those who seek him – Only the most honorable people can see the L ORD. Psalm 24:7 Lift up your heads, O gates! Open up, the gates that guard the door of the temple. Psalm 24:8 Who is the King of glory? – The answer to this rhetorical question is the L ORD. the L ORD, mighty in battle – This God is not afraid to fight. Psalm 24:9 Psalm 24:10

Revelation 21:1-6a Revelation 21:1 new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth – The prototype (πρῶτος) or the first heaven and earth have been replaced by something new or fresh (καινός). The question that must be asked is, “What has changed?” If something has been modified, then it begs the question, “Was the current earth defective?” In other words, did God create the world so that it would fail or is the new earth and heaven a result of human destruction. passed away – The Greek verb ἀπέρχομαι can mean a metaphorical death. Revelation 21:2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem – Even the city of Jerusalem will be recreated. as a bride adorned for her husband – The image should be one of preparation because it takes a long time for the family to get ready for the celebration of a wedding.

2

Revelation 21:3 the home of God is among mortals – The word translated at home in the NRSV is incorrect. It is a tent σκηνή. This is a mobile home and not a permanent structure. He will dwell with them – Since the house is a mobile, God will be moving with them. Revelation 21:4 he will wipe – The Greek verb is ἐξαλείφω which means to plaster, to obliterate, or to metaphorically wipe. Death will be no more – This picks up the theme from Isaiah 25:8. the first things have passed away – The writer uses the same verb ἀπέρχομαι found in 21:1. What replaces these feelings? Revelation 21:5 See, I am making all things new. – The Lord is creating a new existence to replace the previous version. This includes not only humanity but all the plants, animals, and social structures. Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true – Unlike a prophet who normally speaks the Word, the author has to write them down as a record for others. Revelation 21:6 It is done! – While the reporter is there, the work of creation is finished as well as the elimination of pain, sorrow, and death. I am the Alpha and the Omega – The One who existed before existence itself came into being has now brought into being a second existence that will never end. I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life. – Salvation is freely given to all.

John 11:32-44 John 11:32 she [Mary] knelt at his feet and said – The Greek verb πίπτω is used here. It means to fall.2 Mary is not quietly kneeling at Christ’s feet. In a fit of emotion, she has thrown herself to the ground. Moloney believes otherwise.3 He sees Mary as better than Martha.4 2

S.D.B. Francis J. Moloney; Daniel J. Harrington, S.J., editor, The Gospel of John, Volume 4, Sacra Pagina, (Collegeville, Minnesota: The Liturgical Press, 1998), p. 340. 3 Ibid. 4 Ibid.

3

Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. – Mary seems to think that Christ works only happen when He is on the scene. She has forgotten the healing of the nobleman’s son even though the son was at home (John 4:49-54). John 11:33 he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved – ἐνεβριμήσατο τῷ πνεύματι καὶ ἐτάραξεν ἑαυτόν. The adverb ἐμβριμάομαι indicates external anger.5 Jesus felt anger throughout His entire existence. John 11:34 John 11:35 Jesus began to weep. – This is the only use of the verb δακρύω.6 The noun is used in Hebrews 5:7. John 11:36 John 11:37 Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying? – The crowd knows of Christ’s work. They associate Jesus as a general miracle worker and not one who comes to finish death. John 11:38 again greatly disturbed – Once again a form of ἐμβριμάομαι is used (see John 11:33). It was a cave – This is a normal way to bury during this age and place.7 John 11:39 Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead for four days. – Contrast the words of Martha with her early message in John 11:27 She [Martha] said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.” (NRSV) John 11:40 you would see the glory of God – Everyone sees what happens but only the believer knows that God is given the glory.8 John 11:41 Father, I thank you for having heard me. – The relationship is between Father and Son. 5

Francis J. Moloney, The Gospel of John, p. 340. Ibid., p. 341. 7 Ibid. 8 Ibid., p. 342.

6

4

John 11:42 John 11:43 he cried with a loud voice – It this the only fulfillment of 5 25 “Very truly, I tell you, the hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26 For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself; 27 and he has given him authority to execute judgement, because he is the Son of Man. 28 Do not be astonished at this; for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice.” (NRSV)

J

OHN

or is there more to come? John 11:44

References Daniel J. Harrington, S.J.; Idem, editor, The Gospel of Matthew, Volume 1, Sacra Pagina, (Collegeville, Minnesota: The Liturgical Press, 1991). Francis J. Moloney, S.D.B.; Harrington, S.J., Daniel J., editor, The Gospel of John, Volume 4, Sacra Pagina, (Collegeville, Minnesota: The Liturgical Press, 1998).

5