What would the Hebrew prophets say if they were alive today? They lived during a monumental change in the world system from city-states like Samaria and Judea to the imperial systems of Assyria and Babylon. What might they write in verse to the people of today’s nations who encounter the global invasions of communications, refugees and migrants, world trade, and climate change? Will pride in the nations and the military avert the catastrophes to come? Even though they were acutely aware of the politics of that time, the prophets condemned the idolatry and greed of their own people for the weakness of the nation. Will the longing for prosperity and the shaming of the poor and migrants shown by people today lead to destruction? Like the prophets many now weep over the current global tragedies that surround and include them. Yet, as people reflect on the prophet’s promises for food, water, peace, and healing, boldly they dream of new answers to old problems. Might the renewal of today’s nations be mountains of hope for the poor and needy throughout the world? These verses in Hebrew poetry underscore the message of the author’s previous book, The Last Kingdom Standing.
