Isaiah 25:6-9

1) The act of
swallowing death could be a takeoff on Mot 9death) swalling life.

2) Notice how Paul in I
cor 15:54 and Rev. 7:17, 21:4 pick up this passage.

3) This is in a section
called the little apocalypse (Is. 24-7)

4) The image of the
shroud over the earth is intriguing to me. Is the earth dying?
(here’s an environmental image for you) Could this be where we
speak of casting a pall over proceedings?

5) I’ve always
liked the RSV translation at v. 6 a feast of fat things. This could
be a good place to speak about our weight obsessions.

6) God loves
celebrations, even the wine is special.

7)This is an emphaisis
on the effect of death, tears will be dried.

8) the cause for
mourning seems to be defeat. That is difficult for Americans to fully
grasp.

9) v. 9 is a good
example of a prayer that tends to the future, that imagines a
different future being born even as we speak the words.

10) I assume the
mountain is the temple mount, Mt. Zion. Some imagined it as the point
where heaven and earth meet, a sort of portal.

11) As an Easter text,
to what extent did Easter bring this text to frution?

Ps. 118:19-29

1. Some think that
   this could be a temple entrance liturgy. It is part of the Egyptian
   Hallel, typically read at Passover. So, it is possible that Jesus
   read this very psalm, or sang it, on the way to the Mount of Olives.
   

   
   

2. Since this is
   Easter should we not go back to v. 17?

   
   

3. Could one speak of
   the gate of life in v. 20? One can imagine this as a liturgy for the
   resurrection itself, where the tomb itself became a temple of life,
   not death.

   
   

4. The chief
   cornerstone is a major Christian image, the reversal is a favorite
   of God’s it seems.

   
   

5. Save us=hosanna.

   
   

6. V.26 si repeated
   in Communion liurgy.

   
   

7. Speak of Easter
   light here in v. 27

   
   

8. This psalm is
   enclosed with thanksgiving.