Trust in the Midst of Judgment

As we honor this Shabbat, I am drawn to the thread of trust in the face of judgment and wrath that weaves its way through our readings. In Isaiah 10, we see YaHWaH's judgment on those who have perverted justice and oppressed the poor. The Assyrians, who were once the rod of YaHWaH's wrath, will themselves face judgment for their pride and arrogance as they overextended their zeal to punish the children of Israel, the apple of YaHWaH's eye. It is a sobering reminder that YaHWaH is a YaHWaH of justice and will not tolerate wickedness forever.

In the midst of this judgment, however, we find a message of hope and trust. The prophet Isaiah writes, "Now on that day the remnant of Israel, and those of the house of Jacob who have escaped, will no longer rely on the one who struck them, but will truly rely on YaHWaH, the Holy One of Israel" (Isaiah 10:20). This trust is not based on human strength or wisdom, but on the power and glory of YaHWaH. As we see in Psalm 56, even in the face of enemies and affliction, we can trust in YaHWaH and praise His word. The psalmist writes, "In YaHWaH, whose word I praise, In YaHWaH I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" (Psalm 56:4).

This trust is not limited to the Old Testament. In 2 Corinthians 12, the apostle Paul writes about his own trust in YaHWaH despite the challenges and pressures he faces. He says, "I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved" (2 Corinthians 12:15). Paul's trust is not in his own abilities or the response of others, but in the power and glory of YaHWaH.