Jeremiah 47
Judgment of Philistines: Time of message given verse 1
The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet
against the Philistines – before that Pharaoh smote Gaza
Judgment of Philistines: Terror of the invasion verse 2- 3
Thus says the LORD
BEHOLD – waters rise up out of the north
and shall be an overflowing flood
and shall overflow the land
and all that is therein
The city – and them that dwell therein
THEN the men shall cry
and all the inhabitants of the land shall howl
at the noise of the stamping of the hoofs
of his strong horses
at the rushing of his chariots
at the rumbling of his wheels
the fathers shall not look back
to their children
for feebleness of hands
Judgment of Philistines: Terms of the invasion verse 4- 5
BECAUSE of the day that comes to spoil all the Philistines
and to cut off from Tyre
and Sidon every helper that remains
for the LORD will spoil the Philistines
the remnant of the country of Caphtor
Baldness is come upon Gaza
Ashkelon is cut off with the remnant of their valley
How long will you cut yourself?
Judgment of Philistines: Pleas of the Philistines verse 6- 7
O you sword of the LORD
How long will it be ere you be quiet?
put up yourself into your scabbard
rest – and be still
How can it be quiet – seeing the LORD has given it a
charge against Ashkelon and against the seashore?
there has HE appointed it
COMMENTARY:
DAILY SPIRITUAL BREAKFAST: Young Believers
: 1 The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Philistines, before that Pharaoh smote Gaza. (1697 “word” [dabar] means acts, chronicles, saying, utterance, or a communication that is most often spoken, but can come through other means.)
DEVOTION: God does speak to HIS people Israel throughout their history. HE uses prophets, priests, kings and common people to communicate HIS promises, warnings and instructions. HE wants those who claim to follow HIM to know what HE expects of them throughout their lives.
HE is a God who wants to communicate HIS truth in a way that everyone understands what HE expects of them. Here HE is using the prophet Jeremiah to show what is going to happen next to the Philistines who always seemed to give the children of Israel a hard time.
There are people today who love to give those who are genuine followers of Christ a hard time. Their time of judgment is coming. Sometimes it happens in their lifetime but most of the time it takes place at the Great White Throne judgement at end times before the LORD sends all those who reject HIM to hell for eternity.
This nation fought Israel and Judah throughout their history. They thought they could win but in the end of their life they were judged for eternity in a place called hell. All those who reject the message of the LORD will spend eternity in the lake of fire.
The Bible leaves no doubt regarding the future of those who reject Jesus Christ as their Savior. Everyone is given a choice but most choose to reject Jesus for the pleasures of life for a season.
CHALLENGE: What are you doing with the “word of the LORD” today? Is it a message that you are willing to hear and obey? If yes, then eternity in heaven is in your future.
DAILY SPIRITUAL LUNCH: Transitional Believers
: 4 Because of the day that comes to spoil all the Philistines, and to cut off from Tyrus and Zidon every helper that remains: for the LORD will spoil the Philistines, the remnant of the country of Caphtor. (7703 “spoil” [shadad] means waste, destroy, devastate, deal violently with, ruin, or damage irreparably.)
DEVOTION: The Philistines were a group that was supposed to be killed when the children of Israel came into the Promised Land from Egypt. They didn’t do what the LORD commanded. Instead when Israel was strong they would take payment from them and when they were strong there were continuous battles between them.
Now the ten tribes were in captivity and Judah was going to go into captivity because of their disobedience to the law of the LORD. They were worshiping false gods. They did it in the past and they continued to disobey the LORD through false worship.
Now they were going to the Philistines for help. Wrong answer to a difficult situation. Repentance was the only answer but they chose to continue on the coarse they were on. They were disobeying the LORD’S command to submit to the king of Babylon. Instead they thought they could trust in the Philistines instead of trusting in the LORD.
Too often today we find this happening in our world. Those who claim to be following the LORD are looking to trust in others or things rather than the LORD. We need to remember what happened to the children of Israel and Judah because of disobedience. They went into captivity.
Can this happen today? YES!! Our world is changing and it seems that Christians are worshiping false gods on a regular basis while claiming to be following the LORD. One of the worst beliefs is held by those who think they can compromise the teaching of the Word of God to become rich or successful or popular. Many false teachers are challenging the direct commands of the LORD.
If we are joining with others who disobey the LORD we will face the same judgment as the men of Judah. They had to watch the ones they were trusting in become those who were destroyed by their enemies.
CHALLENGE: All nations that don’t honor the LORD and trust in nations or people more than God will lose!!!
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: 6 O you sword of the LORD, how long will it be ere you be quiet? Put up yourself into your scabbard, rest, and be still. (1826 “be still” [damam] means silence, be or grow dumb, cease, tarry, rigid, wait, or motionless)
DEVOTION: Jeremiah is reporting what the LORD has said to him regarding the future of the Philistines.
They had been enemies of the children of Israel since they entered the Promised Land. The tribes never killed all of them when they were supposed to but let them live and pay tribute. That was not what the LORD had commanded them but they were more interested in the tribute than the fighting. They also started to worship their false gods. This displeased the LORD but as we have learned HE was long-suffering with them and the Philistines.
Now was the time of judgment. The LORD was sending the Babylonian army to destroy Egypt but also all the nations in their path. The Philistines were in their path.
Here we find Jeremiah repeating what the Philistines were thinking and saying regarding the destruction the LORD was sending. They wanted the sword to be put away and to let the land rest from all the killing. They wanted the sword to just cease to exist.
They had an opportunity to know who the LORD was through those who were faithful to the LORD but they also continued to worship their false gods. The LORD wanted these false gods destroyed when the children of Israel came into the land but it took centuries before it really happened.
When we face the chastening of the LORD we want it to end but the LORD knows that if it ends too soon we will go back to our old ways. HE wants to correct us to the point that we are heading in the right direction. Does HE think that once HE stops our chastening we will never sin again. NO!! HE knows that we will struggle with our old nature until we die but HE also knows that we can change.
CHALLENGE: When you are under the hand of the LORD because of sin allow HIS chastening to correct THAT behavior. HE knows there are more HE will have to work on in the future. Seek HIS blessing.
DAILY SPIRITUAL SUPPER: Mature Believers
: 7 How can it be quiet, seeing the LORD has given it a charge against Ashkelon, and against the seashore? There has he appointed it. (8252 “quiet” [shaqat] means be tranquil, be at peace, rest, be silent, be calm, be inactive, lie still, or be undisturbed.
DEVOTION: This chapter is a judgment on the Philistine people. Some scholars didn’t think these people even existed until recent years. The Bible always tells us the facts. It is the inerrant Word of God. The LORD sent HIS sword to destroy the Philistines.
This verse asks a question regarding HIS sword. The sword is given a task to perform. It was to perform the task at an appointed time. It was to perform its task toward a certain people. It was not to end until it’s task was complete.
The question states that the sword had a charge given it by the LORD and therefore cannot lie still. It has to work for the LORD. The sword of the LORD is going to work in the future too. When the LORD returns and battles the enemy, HE will use the Sword of the LORD again. The time is unknown for HIS return but it is closer today than it was yesterday. If we look at the way our world is going – it could be soon. The details of what happens next are fixed in the mind of the LORD.
We sometimes think we know the mind of the LORD. There are many thoughts regarding what will happen next in our world. Our responsibility is to be watching, listening and working.
Those without Christ will spend eternity in a literal place called hell. It is also called the lake of fire where the devil and his false prophet will spend eternity. Jesus spoke more of hell than of heaven to give warning to the Pharisees in HIS day. They were religious but not followers of the LORD. Jesus sent HIS disciples to witness to the Israelites and Gentiles of their world.
Will the LORD find us witnessing? Are we ready for HIS return? Are we listening for the trumpet sound? Are we trying to help the last person to become a follower of Christ?
Some teach it is not our responsibility but the LORD has chosen to use human being to do HIS work until HE returns. Are we doing HIS work? We have a charge from the LORD until HE sends HIS sword to judge the world.
Our sword today is the Word of God. Our Bible gives us enough ammunition to reach the world with the message of the Gospel. Our sword has two edges. It is meant to strike at the heart of an individual to the point that his inner being is changed as well as his outward being. Our sword doesn’t allow for only external appearances.
CHALLENGE: Judgment is coming. Our responsibility is to try to drag our family and friends from the fires of hell. Witness well and soon!!!
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DISCIPLINES OF THE FAITH:
BODY
Chastity (Purity in living)
Fasting (Time alone with LORD without eating or drinking)
Sacrifice (Giving up something we want to serve the LORD)
Submission (Willing to listen to others and LORD)
Solitude (Going to a quiet place without anyone)
SOUL
Fellowship (Gathering together around the Word of God)
Frugality (wise use of resources)
Journalizing (Writing down what you have learned from the LORD)
Study and Meditation (Thinking through your study in the Word)
Secrecy (Doing your good deeds without others knowing but God)
SPIRIT
Celebration (Gathering around a special occasion to worship LORD)
Confession (Tell the LORD we are sorry for our sins on a daily basis)
Prayer (Conversation with God on a personal level)
Silence (Letting the LORD deal with some problems and needs)
Worship (Time to praise the LORD alone or in a group)
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DOCTRINES OF THE FAITH:
Scripture (66 inerrant books of the Bible)
Word of the LORD verse 1
God the Father (First person of the Godhead)
LORD – Jehovah (Covenant keeping, Personal) verse 1, 2, 4, 6, 7
Word of the LORD verse 1
Judgment of the LORD verse 2- 7
Sword of the LORD verse 6
How long will it be ere you be quiet?
Put up yourself into your scabbard
rest and be still
LORD appointed action verse 7
God the Son (Second person of the Godhead –God/man, Messiah)
God the Holy Spirit (Third person of the Godhead – our comforter)
Trinity (Three persons of the Godhead who are co-equal = ONE God)
Angels (Created before the foundation of the world – Good and Evil)
Man (Created on the sixth twenty-four hour period of creation)
Philistines verse 1, 4
Pharaoh verse 1
Gaza verse 1, 5
Fathers verse 3
Tyrus verse 4
Zidon verse 4
Caphtor verse 4
Ashkelon verse 5, 7
Remnant of their valley verse 5
Against the sea shore verse 7
Sin (Missing the mark set by God on man and angels)
Feebleness verse 3
Helper of disobedient verse 4
Cut yourself verse 5
Salvation (Provided by Christ’s death on the cross for our sins)
Prophet verse 1
Israel (Old Testament people of God)
Jeremiah the prophet verse 1
Church (New Testament people of God)
Last Things (Future Events)
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QUOTES regarding passage
47:4–5 Not only would the Philistines be destroyed, but all who attempted to help Tyre and Sidon. Mention of Tyre and Sidon may suggest that an alliance existed between those cities and the Philistines, though there is no historical evidence that such an alliance existed after 605 b.c. Caphtor is usually identified with Crete, which is generally considered to be the place of origin of the Philistines (cf. Deut 2:23; Amos 9:7).
The Philistine Pentapolis was composed of five city-states: Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath, Ekron, and Ashdod. Two of them are singled out for punishment in 47:5. Gaza, about two and one-half miles inland from the sea, “will shave her head [lit. “baldness has come on Gaza”]. This may refer to complete destruction of the city or to a mourning practice common in the ANE (cf. 16:6; 41:5; 48:37). Ashkelon, ten miles north of Gaza, would “be silenced.” The Heb. word dāmâ can mean to be silent or to destroy. The Lord asked the “remnant on the plain” to consider how long they were going to cut themselves (another mourning practice; see 41:5). (Huey, F. B. (1993). Jeremiah, Lamentations (Vol. 16, pp. 385–386). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.)
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47:2–7. The Babylonians were pictured as waters that were rising in the north. They were about to become an overflowing torrent that would sweep away the Philistines. The Philistines would cry out in anguish as the swirl of galloping steeds and enemy chariots rushed through the land. The people would be so overcome by fear that fathers would not even turn back to help their children. Being destroyed, the Philistines would not be able to help their allies, Tyre and Sidon (cf. Ezek. 27–28).
The Philistines were the remnant from the coasts of Caphtor, that is, Crete (cf. Amos 9:7; Zeph. 2:5). They were one of the groups of sea peoples who made their way to the coast of Palestine (see the map “The World of Jeremiah and Ezekiel,” in the Introduction). Gaza and Ashkelon, two of the five cities that formed the Philistine pentapolis (cf. Josh. 13:3; 1 Sam. 6:4, 18), were singled out for special mention. Gaza was attacked by the Egyptians (cf. Jer. 47:1), and Ashkelon was later destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar in November–December 604 b.c. (cf. comments on 36:9). God predicted that the Philistines would be caught in the middle of the struggle between Babylon and Egypt and would be destroyed. As a result, they were to shave their heads and cut themselves—both signs of mourning or grief (cf. comments on 16:6). God’s sword of judgment would not rest till it had attacked Ashkelon and the seacoast and destroyed them (cf. Ezek. 25:15–17). (Dyer, C. H. (1985). Jeremiah. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, p. 1194). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
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The Philistine people probably came from Crete (Caphtor, v. 4). They built a wealthy nation by developing a merchant marine that sailed the Mediterranean and acquired goods from many lands. But their destiny was destruction. Tyre and Sidon had been confederate with Judah in an attempt to stop Nebuchadnezzar (27:3).
This time Jeremiah used the image of the rising river to describe the Babylonian army as it flooded over the land (47:2). So terrible was the invasion that parents would flee for their lives and leave their children behind (v. 3; see 49:11). The people would act like mourners at a funeral (47:5) and ask the Lord when He would put up the terrible sword of His judgment (v. 6). But this sword would continue to devour the land until God’s work of judgment was finished. (Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). Be Decisive (p. 166). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
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Because of the day that cometh to spoil all the Philistines; the day which God hath set and appointed for the ruin of the Philistines. Tyre and Zidon were neighbouring to the Philistines, as appears from Gen. 10:14, 15; Joel 3:4, and so were often called to their help. God threateneth both to destroy them, and also those that helped them. It appeareth, from Gen. 10:14, that the Philistines and Caphtorims were related; for their first progenitors, Philistim and Caphtorim, were both the sons of Mizraim the son of Ham, one of the sons of Noah. It appears, from Deut. 2:23, that they expelled the Avites, and dwelt in Hazerim to Azzah; whether their country be what was afterwards called Cappadocia or Damiata is not much material for us to know, they were a people confederate with the Philistines, whom God here threateneth to destroy with them. (Poole, M. (1853). Annotations upon the Holy Bible (Vol. 2, p. 626). New York: Robert Carter and Brothers.)
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This time Jeremiah used the image of the rising river to describe the Babylonian army as it flooded over the land (47:2). So terrible was the invasion that parents would flee for their lives and leave their children behind (v. 3; see 49:11). The people would act like mourners at a funeral (47:5) and ask the Lord when He would put up the terrible sword of His judgment (v. 6). But this sword would continue to devour the land until God’s work of judgment was finished. (Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). Be Decisive (p. 167). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
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The time of the Philistines’ great strength was before the rise of the Davidic monarchy, several centuries before Jeremiah. The occasion in question here, however, is an attack on them by Egypt, possibly during the campaign in which Egypt fought the Babylonians at Carchemish (1). Gaza, on the coastal plain, would be on the army’s north—south route. The great upheaval of nations in Jeremiah’s time had dreadful consequences for many in the area. Egypt, though unable to overcome Babylon, could wreak havoc on little Philistia (2; cf. 46:7–8). The picture of suffering is extreme (3–7). (McConville, J. G. (1994). Jeremiah. In D. A. Carson, R. T. France, J. A. Motyer, & G. J. Wenham (Eds.), New Bible commentary: 21st century edition (4th ed., p. 704). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press.)
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The Philistines dwelt on the western borders of the land of Canaan. They were originally of Egypt, and therefore, typically, would speak of unconverted men of the world taking a place as dwellers in the land of blessing and privilege—mere unsaved professors, who, while pretending to be children of God, are in reality the enemies of His truth and of His people. Their temporal judgment predicted by Jeremiah, and literally fulfilled shortly afterwards, would set forth symbolically the more terrible judgment soon to fall upon the apostate class in Christendom of whom they are the type.
The seven verses of chap. 47 are devoted to this subject. The date when first uttered is not definitely stated, but ver. 1 informs us that it was “before that Pharaoh smote Gaza,” which would place it about the time of the first prophecy regarding Egypt.
From the north “waters should rise up;” that is, the Babylonian armies should overwhelm them; while the power of Egypt in the south was also to be turned against them. Even the world hates a hypocrite. Fear and anguish should take hold upon them; fathers and sons should be overwhelmed in the dreadful carnage. Tyrus and Zidon, Phœnician cities of Philistine origin, would have no power to help. It was the Lord who was about to destroy Philistia. The cup of the iniquity of this warlike and aggressive people was full. They must know the power of Jehovah’s anger. “The country of Caphtor” is a general name for the entire strip of country which they had occupied since the days of Abraham and Lot. Caphtor is an Egyptian word, and plainly indicates the ancient home and lineage of these intruders in the land of promise.
“Baldness is come upon Gaza” indicates that this ancient city, for long in possession of Judah (Josh. 10:41; Judges 1:18; 1 Kings 4:24), had again fallen into the hands of its original occupants. It was devoted to destruction—so complete that it could be described as shaving city and people off the face of the ground; a figure frequently used by the prophets to signify utter desolation (Isa. 7:20; Ezek. 5:1, 2; Amos 8:10, etc.). As hair symbolizes the strength of dependence upon God (as in the example of Samson), and glory (as in the woman’s case), baldness indicates the absence of both. Philistia should be weak and helpless before her foes; her glory a mere memory, and her power departed.
Ashkelon, likewise, was to be cut off “with the remnant of their valley” (ver. 5). This, too, was one of the five cities of the lords of the Philistines in the days of Joshua. For location and the fertility of the surrounding country it was unexcelled. No doubt the desolations of Judah had permitted the Philistines once more to occupy it, but their season of repose should be brief. They must be broken and fall before the might of the armies sent against them by Jehovah whom they had defied.
“The sword of the Lord” could not be quiet until its charge against Ashkelon had been fulfilled. That accomplished, it should be put into its scabbard. It is not that God authorized the numberless cruelties perpetrated by the armies of Pharaoh and Nebuchadrezzar, but He used them, in spite of all that was contrary to His mind, to wreak summary vengeance upon those who had so long been the oppressors and the enemies of His people. He is the Governor of the world, ruling among the nations; and it was true then, and it is true now, that “righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”
The burden of Philistia ended, the prophet abruptly turns to (Ironside, H. A. (1906). Notes on the prophecy and Lamentations of Jeremiah (pp. 258–260). Neptune, NJ: Loizeaux Brothers.)
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Ver. 4. Because of the day that cometh to spoil all the Philistines, &c.] The time appointed by the Lord for their destruction, which should be universal: and to cut off from Tyrus and Zidon every helper that remaineth; these were cities in Phœnicia, which bordered on the country of the Philistines, who were their auxiliaries in time of distress; but now, being wasted themselves, could give them no help when Nebuchadnezzar attacked them; as he did Tyre particularly, which he besieged thirteen years, and at last destroyed it, and Zidon with it: for the Lord will spoil the Philistines, the remnant of the country of Caphtor; these last are not put by way of apposition, as if they were the same with the Philistines, though they were near of kin to them, coming from Casluhim; who were the posterity of Mizraim, as well as Caphtorim, Gen. 10:13, 14 indeed the Philistines are said to be brought from Caphtor, Amos 9:7 being very probably taken captive by them, but rescued from them; and now in confederacy with them, and like to share the same fate as they. The Targum renders it, “the remnant of the island of the Cappadocians;” and so the Vulgate Latin version. Some think the Colchi, others that the Cretians are meant. R. Saadiah by Caphtor understands Damiata, a city in Egypt; which is the same with Pelusium or Sin, the strength of Egypt, Ezek. 30:15 and it is usual with the Jews to call this place Caphutkia, the same with Caphtor, they say; and, in Arabic, Damiata. (Gill, J. (1810). An Exposition of the Old Testament (Vol. 5, p. 654). London: Mathews and Leigh.)
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FROM MY READING:
(Remember the only author that I totally agree with is the HOLY SPIRIT in the inerrant WORD OF GOD called THE BIBLE! All other I try to gleam what I can to help me grow in the LORD!!)
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John Piper writes: My longing for our church is that we be free from gossip. Let’s be forthright and honest and courageous and humble. Jesus was amazingly blunt at times. Love sometimes sounds like that. He could have easily been accused of callousness or lovelessness. But we know he was the most loving person who ever lived. So let’s follow him in this matter. He died for us so that all the logs and specks in our eyes may be forgiven. That should give us both courage and care in dealing with others. Especially when we realize that the faults of our brothers and sisters have also been forgiven by Jesus. (Talk to People Rather than about Them by John Piper)
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Albert Mohler writes: We must grieve with those who grieve. We must pray for Gospel churches in the Denver area that will be called upon for urgent ministry. We must pray for our nation and communities. And we must pray that God will guard ourselves from evil — especially our own evil. And we must point to the cross. What other answer can we give? (The Dark Night in Denver: Groping for Answers)
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Jesus teaches on truth.
INSIGHT
By nature, we want absolute freedom. But such freedom is not possible. In fact, no such thing as absolute freedom exists. To be free to sail the seven seas, we must make ourselves a slave to the compass. This subservience irritates us.
All of life is a contrast between freedoms and corresponding bondages. We can be slaves to Jesus and free from the bondage of sin, or we can be free from Jesus and slaves to the bondage of sin. We can make ourselves slaves to truth, and the truth can set us free. (Quiet Walk)
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THE CROSS AND THE SOUL OF MAN
What shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Mark 8:37
The cross expounds the truth that the soul of man is something that is very precious. You remember our Lord’s own teaching about this. He said: “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mark 8:36-37). The cross talks about the soul of man; our Lord is on the cross because of the preciousness of a man’s immortal soul. So at once you see that the cross tells me something about myself and the nature of this manhood that God has given me. It tells me also about the whole purpose of life in this world. This is my soul; this is the thing that matters.
Now my body is important, and I must not despise it. Many other things are important, too, in this world. It is no part of the preaching of the gospel to depreciate legitimate things or to ridicule them. But I would say that it is the business of the Gospel to say that it is the soul of man that matters, that part of us that goes on even when we die—something imperishable, something that goes on into eternity. The cross puts tremendous emphasis upon that. He came there not in order that our bodies might be healed, not in order that we might be better fed or clothed or have more information and knowledge; no, He came to save the soul. “The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10), and what was lost is man’s soul.
Here is this tremendous statement, therefore, coming from the cross to us. Have you heard it—have you realized that the most important thing about you is this soul of yours?
A Thought to Ponder: Have you realized that the most important thing about you is this soul of yours? (From The Cross, pp. 156-157, by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
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Living With Confidence in a Chaotic World by Dr. David Jeremiah
Jonathan Edwards, America’s great preacher and theologian, said, “Our people do not so much need to have their heads turned as to have their hearts touched, and they stand in the greatest need of that sort of preaching which has the greatest tendency to do this.” (p. 62)
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It’s a difference maker. But don’t make the mistake of believing a weekly sermon, a book like this one, or even a fellowship group will make this happen for you. It’s important that you delve deeply into the Word yourself. You need to be studying it and reflecting on it every day of your life. The word of His grace, according to Paul, is able to build you up. And do you remember earlier in the chapter when I mentioned finding only one passage that speaks of building ourselves up? Jude 20-21 is that very passage: “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” (p. 64)
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Many people stop during the autumn to take in the spectacle of geese migrating in flocks, high in the sky. They fly in a distinctive V formation. We enjoy the natural beauty of that, but have you ever wondered about its functionality? The V is more efficient than flying in a line or randomly. The flapping of the wings creates an uplift of air, an effect that is increased at the rear of the formation. There is one goose at the point of the V, and after a certain time, he’ll drop off and fly to the end of the formation. The weaker birds also remain close to the rear and on the inside where their work is decreased. In this way, the geese take care of one another. The stronger birds lead until others rotate in the front and take their places. By cooperating and uplifting one another, the geese achieve long migrations that would be otherwise impossible. In numbers, they’re better protected. I think those geese have something to teach us. We are so much stronger together than we are on our own. (p. 65)
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I’ve learned a lot from Glenn Sunshine, the longest-serving faculty member of the Colson Fellows Program, and a professor of history at Central Connecticut State University. Glenn not only gets history, he also really gets worldview and, even better, how worldview and history are related.
On Monday night, as I was trying to make sense of the tragedy of the burning of the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, I learned again from Dr. Sunshine. Part of my sadness was that I’ve never visited this wonder of the world, where Henry VI, King of England, was also crowned King of France in 1431, Napoleon crowned himself Emperor in 1804, and Joan of Arc was beatified in 1909. But there was more to my sadness, and the sadness of so many who, like me, were mourning the potential loss of a place they’ve never seen.
Glenn’s comments, posted on Facebook, are worth quoting:
I am a historian. I revere the past. Artefacts that allow us to touch the centuries touch a deep place in my heart. Having lived in Paris, I feel a personal connection to Notre Dame: Not only is it an 850-year-old artifact full of beauty but it is also the site of some very happy memories for me with students and especially with my family. My wife nursed our firstborn in Notre Dame. I have been in shock and mourning all day over the fire. And yet … I have also been thinking about C.S. Lewis’s words from “The Weight of Glory”: “You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations – these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat.” My reason tells me he is right, but my emotions don’t agree. To take it a step further, if the thing that gives human life value is the Image of God, if we are really the crown of God’s creation, isn’t human life more important than the ancient artefacts that I revere? Why then do I get more upset at the loss of things whose longevity is “to ours as the life of a gnat” than I am at the dehumanization of people made in God’s image, at abuse and murder? As horrified as I am by those things, why do I feel the loss of ancient artefacts more? I don’t have a good answer, and I’m not looking for one, but pondering the significance of the fire at Notre Dame has gotten me thinking about these questions.
I think we do well to ponder these questions. I remember, after a fire ravaged the signature building of a college where I once worked, hearing the wise words of our President Bill Brown (now the Dean of the Colson Fellows Program): “We didn’t lose anything important.” He meant, of course, no human lives were lost. Bill went on to lead an incredible recovery and renovation project, and the college went on.
I think Bill’s words were spot on in the context of that fire, but I also sense with Glenn Sunshine that, though the loss of lives would have been infinitely more tragic, we rightly mourn what we witnessed this week in Paris.
We rightly mourn the loss of that kind of beauty. Though, as I understand, many of the priceless works of art housed in Notre Dame are safe, many others are lost. Of course, God, in His grace, hasn’t ceased to endow His image bearers with creativity and skill. Thankfully, we can expect others to come along whom He has called to communicate truth and goodness with beauty.
But we must also know that not every culture is capable of producing art that captures the imagination in that kind of transcendent way. Today, our collective imaginations are far too often captive to things temporal, meaningless, and even obscene. That says a lot about the kind of culture we’ve created.
We also rightly mourn the loss of history, especially in this age of what C. S. Lewis called “chronological snobbery.” Cultural memory is lost at our own peril and, whenever it is, humans are tempted by a moral Darwinism, confident that our new technologies, leisure, and distractions will deliver the good life. They will not.
Finally, many of us mourn, rightly, the loss of faith and transcendence this fire seems to represent. Over a century ago, Friedrich Nietzsche proclaimed cathedrals to be nothing more than the sepulchers of God. Of course, God is not dead in any ontological sense, but He is long forgotten in so many places where people were once inspired to build edifices for His worship, places like Notre Dame. So as we mourn, let’s pray that God, in His grace, would haunt us with these questions, and through them would bring revival, renewal, and even new beauty from the ashes of Notre Dame.(BreakPoint)
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