... 28:21). Yahweh’s work/task is to bring destruction on Judah (see 10:12). While this task is clearly alien to Yahweh’s ultimate nature and purpose, it will be done if necessary as a means to that purpose’s fulfillment. It is not just wanton destructiveness or fickleness. It is all part of a sensible plan (28:29, NIV “counsel”). Yahweh’s positive plan for Israel stands (46:10, NIV “purpose”). Thus Yahweh does not need anyone to offer advice on planning (40:13, NIV “counselor”), and is even ...
... down to work. She will have (for instance) to trudge across the Babylonian countryside with its irrigation ditches—though the reference to wading through streams may hint at the metaphorical sense in which she is going to find herself in deep water (cf. 43:2). 47:8 The word for wanton suggests the enjoyment of good food and other pleasures of life. It need not imply excess. Ms Babylon had simply been in a position to live well, but will be so no longer.
... who has sinfully squandered away his father’s fortune on very bad things! We blame the boy. However, the word for “prodigal” does not mean “rebellious.” It means “spendthrift.” It’s the word for a big spender, a compulsive shopper, a wantonly generous wastrel, someone who has engaged in unrestrained, profuse, reckless, lavish, rash, or outrageous spending, who has postured big pockets, but whose money was a windfall not a well. The prodigal’s problem of course was not money. We love also ...