OT Notes for Jan. 6 Is. 60:1-6, Ps. 72:1-7,10-14

Both readings have bled into Mt. 2 to add more depth to our images of Epiphany. (As the name suggests it is all about the light of revelation)

1) In Is. 60 we start with an image of light, not necessarily that of a star. Indeed it may be the Lady Zion is called to shine. Yes, I do think that this passage is the origin of that awful sound of rise and shine to get up after a hard night.

2) God's glory is connected to light, as in the light of the presence of god.

3) I hear apocalyptic elements in v. 2. Of course, one can turn it to a psychological or social state with ease.

4) Like moths to a flame, power will be drawn to restored Zion (see kings in v. 3 turned to Magi?)

5) v. 5 is moving to me. The word for rejoice is a heart enlarged, just like the Grinch.

6) Yes Adam Smith drew his name for his classic of capitalism from v. 5 After all, the Magi of old did counsel the rich.

7) gold and frankincense link us to Mt. 2 in older biblical readings. we then start to develop ethnicity. from the region mentioned here. (Arabian regions) Here is where the camels emerge as well.

Ps. 72-
1) Look at v. 1-4, 10-12 If applied ot our political leaders now, look at the hallmarks of political concerns here.
2) v5-7 move into a different ancient realm of thought. while power may seduce us into thinking of ourselves as quasi-divine, here it is meant. Look at how fertility is bound up with the life of the ruler. The ruler really is a quasi divine representative of divine favor for the nation. Still one could do well to be careful with sahdes of meaning of peace and  righteousness

3) v. 10 gives us 3 kings with ethnic identity.the verbs match nicely with the homage paid in Mt. 2.

4) Note Sheba can be in a number of areas of the south.Note the link to one of the gifts in v. 15.

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