The Deliverance

       "How can I possibly be of help to you?

       THE ONE who afflicted you with these

              disasters

          will deliver you from the power of your

              enemies.

       Go, my children, go,

          for I have been left desolate.

       I have removed my robes of peace

          and donned sackcloth for prayers of

              supplication;

          throughout my life I will cry out to

              THE Everlasting.

       "Take courage, my children; call out to GOD,

          and HE will deliver you from oppression

          and from the hands of your enemies.

       I place my trust in THE EVERLASTING for

              your deliverance,

          and joy has come to me from THE HOLY

              ONE,

       because of the mercy that will soon come to

              you

          from THE EVERLASTING, your Savior.

       With mourning and laments I watched you

              depart,

          but GOD will give you back to me with

              everlasting joy and gladness.

       For as the neighbors of Zion have witnessed

              your captivity,

          they will soon behold your deliverance by

              your GOD,

          which will come to you with the great glory

              and splendor of THE EVERLASTING.

       "My children, endure with patience the

              wrath

          that has come upon you from GOD.

       Your enemy has persecuted you,

          but shortly you will witness his destruction

          and trample upon his neck with your foot.

       My delicate children have had to traverse

              rocky paths,

          taken away like sheep carried off by the

              enemy.

       Have courage, my children, and cry out to

              GOD;

          HE who has thus afflicted you will not

              forget you.

       As the thought once came to you to go astray

              from GOD,

          now you must increase your efforts tenfold

              to seek HIM.

       HE who afflicted you with these disasters will

              bring you everlasting joy with your

              deliverance."

BARUCH: CHAPTER 4, VERSES 17 - 29

Jerusalem Assured of Help

       Take courage, Jerusalem!

          THE ONE who gave you your name will

              comfort you.

       Great will be the terror of those who

              harmed you

          and rejoiced over your ill-fortune.

       Disaster awaits those cities where your

              children were slaves,

          wretched the city that received your

              offspring.

       Just as that city rejoiced at your downfall

          and was exultant to witness your ruin,

          so shall she grieve over her own devastation.

       I shall despoil her of the multitudes in

              which she took such joy,

          and her insolent pride shall be turned

              to mourning.

       Fire from THE EVERLASTING will besiege

              her for many days,

          and demons will inhabit her for a lengthy

              period of time.

BARUCH: CHAPTER 4, VERSES 30 - 35

Invitation to Hope

       Gaze toward the east, Jerusalem,

          and behold the joy that is coming to

              you from GOD.

       The children whom you saw depart are

              returning;

          they are returning, gathered together

              from the east and the west,

          at the command of THE HOLY ONE,

          rejoicing in the glory of GOD.

       Remove your robe of mourning and

              affliction, O Jerusalem,

          and adorn yourself forever with the

              splendor of the glory of GOD.

       Wrap yourself with the cloak of GOD's justice,

          and place on your head the diadem of

              the glory of the Everlasting.

       For GOD will reveal your splendor to

              every nation under the heavens;

          and you will forever be called by

              GOD:

          "The Peace of Justice and The Glory of

              Piety."

       Arise, O Jerusalem, stand upon the

              heights

          and look toward the east;

       behold your children gathered from the

              west and the east

          at the command of THE HOLY ONE,

          rejoicing that GOD has remembered

              them.

       They departed from you on foot,

          led away by their enemies.

       But GOD will bring them back to you,

          borne aloft in glory as though on a

              royal throne.

       For GOD has decreed

          that every high mountain and the 

              everlasting hills be leveled

       and that the valleys be filled to make level

              ground,

          so that Israel may walk securely in the

              glory of GOD.

       The woods and every type of fragrant

              tree

          have provided shade for Israel at GOD's

              command.

       For GOD will lead Israel with joy,

          by the light of HIS glory,

          with the mercy and uprightness that

              come from HIM.

BARUCH: CHAPTER 4, VERSES 36 & 37 & CHAPTER 5

THE LETTER OF JEREMIAH: Duration of the Exile.

This is the text of a letter sent by Jeremiah to those who were to be taken as captives to Babylon by the king of the Babylonians, in order to deliver to them a message at GOD's command:

       Because of the sins you have committed before GOD, you are being deported to Babylon as captives by Nebuchadnezzar, king of the Babylonians. Once you have arrived in Babylon, your period of exile will last for many years, up to seven generations. After that I will bring you home from that place in peace. In Babylon you will see people carrying upon their shoulders gods of silver and gold and wood, which inspire fear in the pagans. Be careful not to imitate these pagans or to allow fear of these gods to overwhelm you when you see the heathen crowds before and behind them, worshiping them. Rather, say in your hearts, "Only YOU, O LORD, are worthy of worship." For MY angel is with you, and he cares for your lives.

BARUCH: CHAPTER 6, VERSES 1 - 6

Origin of Idols.

       The tongues of these gods are polished to a smooth finish by artisans, and the idols, themselves, are overlaid with gold and silver. However, they are fraudulent and are unable to utter a word. People take gold as they would for a maiden obsessed with how she adorns herself, and they use it to fashion crowns for the heads of their gods. Yet at times the priests will surreptitiously take the silver and gold from these gods and spend it on themselves; they will even use some of it in payment for services to the temple prostitutes.

       They elegantly robe these idols of silver and gold and wood as if they were human; however, even though these gods are arrayed in purple attire, they are unable to protect themselves from the damage caused by corrosion and insects. Their faces must be wiped clean of the thick dust of the temple that settles upon them. Like a ruler of a country, each god holds a scepter, yet none has the power to destroy anyone who offends it. Each has in its right hand a sword and an ax, but none is able to defend itself from war or thievery. Thus it is evident beyond question that these are not gods; so have no fear them.

BARUCH: CHAPTER 6, VERSES 7 - 14

Impotence of Idols.

       Just as a pot is of no further use once it is broken, so are these gods enshrined in their temples. Dust raised up from the feet of those who enter fills their eyes. Their courtyards are walled in like those of someone in prison and awaiting execution for an act against the king, so the priests attempt to make the temples secure, reinforcing them with doors and bars and bolts to guard against thievery. The priests light more lamps for the gods than they do for themselves, yet not even one of these can the idols see.

       The gods are like one of the temple beams, but, it is said, their hearts are eaten away, as insects crawl out of the ground to consume them and their garments without their even being aware of it. Their faces are blackened by the smoke that rises in the temple. Bats and swallows and birds of every species perch on their bodies and heads, and so do cats. All this makes it abundantly clear that they are not gods. Therefore, have no fear of them.

       Although they are adorned with a layer of gold, these idols will not gleam unless someone wipes off the tarnish. Even when they were being molded they did not feel anything. They were purchased no matter what the cost, yet the breath of life is not in them. Because of their lack of feet, they are borne on the shoulders of others, an indication to all of their true lack of worth. And those who serve them feel a sense of shame, inasmuch as if one of them should fall to the ground, it cannot get up by itself. If anyone sets an idol upright, it cannot move by its own devices, and if it is tipped, it cannot straighten itself on its own.

       A gift offered to such idols might as well be offered to the dead. Any sacrifices made to these idols are sold by the priests, who then pocket the proceeds. Likewise, their wives salt and preserve parts of the meat that is offered, but they refuse to offer any share whatsoever to the poor or the helpless. Even women who are menstruating or who have just given birth are permitted to touch these sacrifices. Thus there should not be the slightest doubt that these are not gods; therefore, have no fear of them.

       How can they be called gods, these idols of silver and gold and wood, when women serve meals to them? And in their temples, the priests sit wearing torn garments, their hair and beards shaved, and their heads uncovered. They shout and shriek in the presence of their gods as others do at a funeral banquet. The priests remove some of the idols clothing and use it to clothe their own wives and children.

       Whether these gods are treated well or badly by someone, they are unable to repay that person in like manner. They can neither enthrone nor depose a king. Similarly they are incapable of bestowing wealth or money. If anyone fails to fulfill a vow made to them, they will never exact it. They will never save anyone from death or deliver the weak from the strong. They cannot restore the sight of the blind nor rescue anyone in trouble. They cannot have pity for the widow nor show concern for the orphan. These wooden statues overlaid with gold and silver are like stones quarried from the mountains, and those who worship them will be put to shame. How then can anyone consider them to be gods or call them gods?

       Even the Chaldeans themselves betray their lack of respect for them, for when they see someone who is incapable of speech, they lead the mute into the temple and ask Bel to give that person the power of speech, as though Bel were able to understand. However, they are unable to reflect on their foolish practice and abandon these gods, for they lack all sense of perception. Meanwhile women, with cords around their waists, burn bran for incense. And whenever one of these has been solicited by a passer-by and lain with him, she taunts her neighbor who was not chosen because of a lesser degree of attractiveness and who has not had her cord broken. Everything that has to do with these gods is fraudulent. How then can anyone consider them to be gods or call them so?

BARUCH: CHAPTER 6, VERSES 15 - 44

Nature of Idols.

       Idols are fashioned by carpenters and goldsmiths, and they can be nothing more than what their artisans wish them to be. Even those who produce them cannot last long. How, then, can the things made by them be gods? They have bequeathed nothing but frauds and dishonor to their descendants. When war or a disaster befalls them, the priests consult among themselves where they can hide with their gods. How, then, can anyone fail to realize that these are not gods when they are unable to save themselves from war or disaster?

       Since they are composed of nothing but wood that has been overlaid with gold and silver, they eventually will be recognized for the frauds that they are. It will be crystal-clear to every nation and king that they are not gods but have been created by human hands, and that they do not possess the slightest degree of divine power.

       Who can fail to realize that they are not gods? They cannot appoint a king to rule over a country or supply people with rain. They cannot regulate their own affairs or remedy an injustice, because they have no power. They are like crows fluttering between heaven and earth. When fire breaks out in a temple that houses these wooden gods overlaid with gold and silver, the priests will dash for safety, but they themselves will be consumed in the flames like timbers. They cannot offer any resistance to a king or enemy forces. How, then, can anyone assert or still believe that they are gods?

BARUCH: CHAPTER 6, VERSES 45 - 56

Absolute Uselessness of Idols.

       These idols of wood overlaid with gold and silver are not able to prevent being plundered by thieves and bandits. Anyone of a mind to do so will strip them of their gold and silver and run off, also, with the robes in which they were garbed, and they are powerless to help themselves. It is far better to be a king who displays his courage or a household utensil of use to its owner than these false gods; better even the door of a house that safeguards whatever is within than these false gods; better even a wooden pillar in a palace than these false gods.

       The sun and the moon and the stars shine brightly in obedience to the purpose they are assigned. Flashes of lightning are seen over a large area, and the wind likewise blows throughout the land. When GOD issues a command to the clouds to pass over the whole earth, they obey, and fire that is sent from above to consume mountains and forests does what it has been ordered. However, these idols cannot be compared with these forces of nature, either in beauty or in power. Therefore, you cannot consider them to be gods or call them such, since they are powerless to pronounce judgment or to be of help to anyone. Therefore, realizing that they are not gods, do not fear them.

       These idols cannot curse or bless kings, nor can they offer the nations any signs in the heavens or shine like the sun or provide light like the moon. Wild beasts are more blessed, for they can save themselves by fleeing to a place of safety. In no respect is there the slightest evidence that they are gods; therefore, do not fear them. These wooden idols, overlaid with silver and gold, provide no greater protection than does a scarecrow in a field of cucumbers. Like a thornbush in a garden upon which every species of bird perches, or like a corpse thrown out into the darkness, are these wooden gods overlaid with gold and silver. The purple and the linen rotting on their backs give clear evidence that they are not gods. In the end they will be eaten away and bring dishonor to their country. Far more fortunate, then, is the upright person who has no idols, for such a one will never incur dishonor.

BARUCH: CHAPTER 6, VERSES 56 - 72

Restoration of Israel

       This is what THE LORD says:

       "In the time of MY favor I will answer you,

          and in the day of salvation I will help you;

       I will keep you and will make you

          to be a covenant for the people,

       to restore the land

          and to reassign its desolate inheritances,

       to say to the captives, 'Come out,'

          and to those in darkness, 'Be free!'

       "They will feed beside the roads

          and find pasture on every barren hill.

       They will neither hunger nor thirst,

          nor will the desert heat or the sun beat upon them.

       HE who has compassion on them will guide them

          and lead them beside springs of water.

       I will turn all MY mountains into roads,

          and MY highways will be raised up.

       See, they will come from afar--

          some from the north, some from the west,

          some from the region of Aswan."

       Shout for joy, O heavens;

          rejoice, O earth;

          burst into song, O mountains!

       For THE LORD comforts HIS people

          and will have compassion on HIS afflicted ones.

       But Zion said, "THE LORD has forsaken me,

          THE LORD has forgotten me."

       "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast

          and have no compassion on the child she has borne?

       Though she may forget,

          I will not forget you!

       See, I have engraved you on the palms of MY hands;

          your walls are ever before ME.

       Your sons hasten back,

          and those who laid you waste depart from you.

       Lift up your eyes and look around;

          all your sons gather and come to you.

       As surely as I live," declares THE LORD,

          "you will wear them all as ornaments;

          you will put them on, like a bride.

       "Though you were ruined and made desolate

          and your land laid waste,

       now you will be too small for your people,

          and those who devoured you will be far away.

       The children born during your bereavement

          will yet say in your hearing,

       'This place is too small for us;

          give us more space to live in.'

       Then you will say in your heart,

          'Who bore me these?

       I was bereaved and barren;

          I was exiled and rejected.

          Who brought these up?

       I was left all alone,

          but these--where have they come from?' "

       This is what THE SOVEREIGN LORD says:

       "See, I will beckon to the Gentiles,

          I will lift up MY banner to the peoples;

       they will bring your sons in their arms

          and carry your daughters on their shoulders.

       Kings will be your foster fathers,

          and their queens your nursing mothers.

       They will bow down before you with their faces to the ground;

          they will lick the dust at your feet.

       Then you will know that I AM THE LORD;

          those who hope in ME will not be disappointed."

       Can plunder be taken from warriors,

          or captives rescued from the fierce?

       But this is what THE LORD says:

       "Yes, captives will be taken from warriors,

          and plunder retrieved from the fierce;

       I will contend with those who contend with you,

          and your children I will save.

       I will make your oppressors eat their own flesh;

          they will be drunk on their own blood, as with wine.

       Then all mankind will know

          that I, THE LORD, AM your Savior,

          your Redeemer, THE MIGHTY ONE OF JACOB."

ISAIAH: CHAPTER 49, VERSES 8 - 26

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Everlasting Salvation for Zion

       "Listen to ME, you who pursue righteousness

          and who seek THE LORD:

       Look to the rock from which you were cut

          and to the quarry from which you were hewn;

       look to Abraham, your father,

          and to Sarah, who gave you birth.

       When I called him he was but one,

          and I blessed him and made him many.

       THE LORD will surely comfort Zion

          and will look with compassion on all her ruins;

       HE will make her deserts like Eden,

          her wastelands like the garden of THE LORD.

       Joy and gladness will be found in her,

          thanksgiving and the sound of singing.

       "Listen to ME, MY people;

          hear ME, MY nation:

       The law will go out from ME;

          MY justice will become a light to the nations.

       MY righteousness draws near speedily,

          MY salvation is on the way,

          and MY arm will bring justice to the nations.

       The islands will look to ME

          and wait in hope for MY arm.

       Lift up your eyes to the heavens,

          look at the earth beneath;

       the heavens will vanish like smoke,

          the earth will wear out like a garment

          and its inhabitants die like flies.

       But MY salvation will last forever,

          MY righteousness will never fail.

       "Hear ME, you who know what is right,

          you people who have MY law in your hearts:

       Do not fear the reproach of men

          or be terrified by their insults.

       For the moth will eat them up like a garment;

          the worm will devour them like wool.

       But MY righteousness will last forever,

          MY salvation through all generations."

       Awake, Awake! Clothe YOURSELF with strength,

          O arm of THE LORD;

       awake, as in days gone by,

          as in generations of old.

       Was it not YOU who cut Rahab to pieces,

          who pierced that monster through?

       Was it not YOU who dried up the sea,

          the waters of the great deep,

       who made a road in the depths of the sea

          so that the redeemed might cross over?

       The ransomed of THE LORD will return.

          They will enter Zion with singing;

          everlasting joy will crown their heads.

       Gladness and joy will overtake them,

          and sorrow and sighing will flee away.

       "I, even I, AM HE who comforts you.

          Who are you that you fear mortal men,

          the sons of men, who are but grass,

       that you forget THE LORD your Maker,

          who stretched out the heavens

          and laid the foundations of the earth,

       that you live in constant terror every day

          because of the wrath of the oppressor,

          who is bent on destruction?

       For where is the wrath of the oppressor?

          The cowering prisoners will soon be set free;

       they will not die in their dungeon,

          nor will they lack bread.

       For I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD,

          who churns up the sea so that its waves roar--

          THE LORD ALMIGHTY is HIS name.

       I have put MY words in your mouth

          and covered you with the shadow of MY hand--

       I who set the heavens in place,

          who laid the foundations of the earth,

          and who say to Zion, 'You are MY people.' "

ISAIAH: CHAPTER 51, VERSES 1 - 16

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