Once upon a time, in an era shrouded by the cloak of history, the Almighty beckoned to those who pursued righteousness, to those longing for Jehovah. He reminded them of the rock from which they were chiseled and the pit from which they were unearthed. Casting their minds back to their ancestors, to Abraham, their father, and Sarah, their nurturing mother. Out of the solitary Abraham, He crafted an innumerable multitude, bestowing blessings upon him in abundance.
In a show of unsurpassed benevolence, Jehovah, divinely comforted Zion, restoring its desolate places. He transformed the wild, chaotic wilderness into an Eden of tranquility, from a barren desert to a lush oasis, comparable only to the Garden of Jehovah Himself. Such transformations stirred joy, gladness, thanksgiving, and melodious voices.
Consequently, His people, His cherished nation, were instructed to heed His words. A new law would be decreed from His divine throne, illuminating the nations with His justice. The arm of Jehovah, the righteous judge, became the unwavering beacon of salvation and righteousness, that the islands waited upon and leaned on in unquestionable trust.
Contemplating the impermanence of life, Jehovah reminded His followers of the fleeting material world. Just as the heavens would dissipate like smoke and the earth age like worn-out fabric, so too would its human inhabitants cease to exist. Yet, His righteousness and salvific work would stand eternal, unshakeable in an ever-changing world. The righteous, those who harbored the law of God in their hearts, were urged not to fear the mockery and scorn of lesser men. For they would be devoured just as a moth devours a garment or a worm feasts on wool while His righteousness and salvation would transcend generations.
Across ages and epochs, Jehovah was the one who instilled strength and courage, as He had in yesteryears. His arm, strong and mighty, was the same arm that severed Rahab into pieces and pierced the monstrous sea serpent. The same arm had made a pathway through the depths of the sea, providing a passageway for the redeemed.
The redeemed, the ransomed of Jehovah would come rejoicing into Zion, accompanied by an everlasting joy. They would obtain gladness while their sorrow and sighs were evicted, for Jehovah himself would offer them comfort and assurance. Jehovah, their creator, who laid the bare heavens, and assembled the foundations of the earth, questioned why they should fear mortal men. The fury of the oppressor was negligible in the grand scheme of His divine providence, His name, Jehovah of hosts, and His action, a roar that stirred up the sea itself.
Despite all the adversities faced, Jehovah reminded Jerusalem to rise against the challenges. Even when overwhelmed with His wrath, represented by the staggering cup, Jehovah reassured His chosen ones that the days of turmoil were over. He vowed to usurp the cup of anguish and wrath from Jerusalem’s hand. This cup would be entrusted to those persecutors who trampled over them, making them cower before them. But Jehovah directed, no more shall they suffer such humiliation. Zion, under His divine assurance, is His people, and remains secure, protected under the shadow of His hand.
