Hosea 11-In our time, perhaps we can substitute a
grandparent for the parental image being used here, to get at its nostalgia for
young children. What do the bands of love
and human cords mean? Were children in ancient times led with a leash as some
children are now in public spaces? Could it be the difference between a
domesticated beast and a child? On the other hand, one could refer to Egyptian
child rearing plans on having a child
play and enjoy until around 6.
Admah and Zeboiim
were destroyed cities a la Sodom, see also Dt.29:23 by its mention of
fierce anger. God decides not to execute fierce anger in v. 9.
Of course, vv.8-9 shows a deity far different than the dispassionate
God of the philosophers. Here God is torn up about how to proceed. One could
compare god’s anguished self-reflection to the self-reflection of the rich man
in Luke. Unlike many of us, mercy wins. Note: following Trible-compassion
(ruhumah) is a word well translated as
motherly love as it is connected the rehem, the womb.
If one feels more adventurous, select the image of the
parent v. the jilted spouse of Hos.1 and the surprising lion image at the end
of our section, OK periscope, for those so inclined, or the mother bear image
of 13:8.
The Lukan passage 12: is a difficult passage in a society
that is neglecting its retirement plans. It is a direct assault on
acquisitiveness.
In Indiana, we have a
great image of the metal grain storage bins.
Greed is closer to a hunger for more and more-it may be
linked to coveting, but more likely, avarice-think Scrooge or our attitude toward
a 401 (k) or the market.
Fool is a frequent opposite for wisdom in Proverbs .Here,
aphron is one who foams at the mouth, yes, as if possessed (Lk.9:39).Now there
is an image: our attachment to possessions si an example fo possession.
One could consider the ways we treasure “good things”
(another way of translating goods.)
Notice that once again Jesus refuses to make himself an
arbiter for the decisions of others; he refuses to be placed in triangles. (One
could be bold and use this as an invitation to speak about systems in
congregations).
