November 25, 2013 Third Vesperal Reading for Great Martyr Katherine War Against Madmen: Wisdom of Solomon 5:15-6:3, especially vs. 20: “And creation will fight with Him against the senseless.” We must exercise care as we read this passage, lest certain assumptions and filters implanted by our education distort our interpretation and obscure what is in plain view. In particular, we encounter several terms in these verses that are easy to misread or overlook. Note, first of all, that Solomon describes God’s care for a community, which he calls “the righteous” (vs. 15). The Lord Most High rewards His people with eternal life (vs. 15); He gives them dignity, crowns them with beauty, shelters and protects them “against His enemies” (vss. 16-17). Note that the pronouns referring to “the righteous” are always plural: their, they, them. Solomon is not speaking of individuals; these pronouns refer to a distinct group or community whose collective name is the righteous. Secondly, following the rule that “whoever is the enemy of my beloved is my enemy,” we can identify the opponents of the righteous as enemies of God, regardless of whether they are called “His enemies” (vs. 17) or merely “the senseless” (vs. 20). As soon as Solomon finishes describing how God bestows gifts, rewards, crowns, shelter, and protections on the righteous (vss. 15-16), he goes on to show that God’s goodness translates into warlike action against His enemies in defense of His people, when it is required (vss. 19-23). Who are the enemies of God and His People? The term “enemies” is so broad that it fails to offer much insight, but the word senseless is rich with meaning in the original Greek. When we consult different English translations of the same Greek word, we get different results. “Senseless” also implies unwise (Brenton), madmen (Revised Standard Version), frenzied foes (New English Bible), reckless (New Jerusalem Bible), and foolhardy (New American Bible). The bottom line is that the Lord does not brook the reckless acts of lawless madmen, wreaking senseless waste in foolish frenzy, “lay[ing] waste all the earth,” and overturning legitimate government (vs. 23). God responds to such acts in warfare mode, beginning with mobilization (vss. 17-20) and culminating in strategic moves and tactical actions (vss. 20-22). This picture is rounded out with a summary of the disastrous outcomes that will surely fall upon His opponents (vss. 22-23). The people of God are the Lord’s very special treasure. The Prophet Zechariah describes God’s loving care for His people in a passage that foretells the coming of Christ: “He has sent Me out after glory to the nations that plundered you, for the one who assails you is as one who assails the apple of His eye” (Zec 2:12). The Prophet David says, “He that worketh evil shall not dwell near Thee, nor shall transgressors abide before Thine eyes. Thou hast hated all them that work iniquity; Thou shalt destroy all them that speak a lie” (Ps 5:3-4). The Lord offers a concluding caution to those who “rule over multitudes” and “over a multitude of nations” (WSol 6:2). We may easily recognize such people, for their faces are familiar, be they kings, presidents, judges, generals, or terrorist leaders. The greatest danger for those in high position is inattentiveness, ignorance, arrogance, pride, and power without understanding (vss. 1-3). These vices become deadly if they are not curbed before God. The truly great humble themselves, rule over their passions, and heed the word of the Lord. Beware of those who do not! The Lord carefully searches their works and examines plans drawn up behind closed doors (vs. 3). Since He allows our leaders to exercise power and lordship (vs. 3), He can also take it away in a flash. O Lord save thy people, and bless Thine inheritance; granting to Thy people victory over all their enemies, and by the power of Thy Cross, preserving Thy Kingdom. – Troparion of the Holy Cross
Posted on: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 15:22:04 +0000