The Mountain of the Lord, Day 2

In days to come,
The mountain of the Lord’s house
shall be established as the highest mountain
and raised above the hills.
All nations shall stream toward it.
Many peoples shall come and say:
“Come, let us go up to the Lord’s mountain,
to the house of the God of Jacob,
That he may instruct us in his ways,
and we may walk in his paths.”
For from Zion shall go forth instruction,
and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

Isaiah 2:2-3

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That He May Instruct Us in His Ways

Not by force but by attraction, all nations shall stream toward the light of torah (the Hebrew word translated by the NABRE as “instruction” in Isaiah 2:3). Worth more than gold and silver, Israel’s priceless wisdom drew the Queen of Sheba irresistibly to the throne of Solomon (1 Kings 10:1-10). Jesus marveled at the faith of Gentiles like the Roman centurion, who recognized his authority and received healing for his servant.

I say to you, many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 8:11

And We May Walk in His Paths

In a twisted and misguided world, the word of the Lord provides order and direction. Like the sick in search of a doctor, multitudes sunk in misery yearn for the straight and narrow path to blessedness. Images of a road (derek), path, or way (orach) up to the mountain of the Lord serve as tangible symbols of the law of God.

Translated as “direction,” “instruction,” or “law,” torah comes from the verb yarah, which means “to throw” or “to shoot.” A term from archery, yarah summons the image of an arrow aimed towards a target. Like an archer, the word of the Lord directs people to the ultimate goal of wholeness (shalom).

For From Zion Shall Go Forth Instruction

Thus says the Lord of hosts: In those days ten people from nations of every language will take hold, yes, will take hold of the cloak of every Judahite and say, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.”

Zechariah 8:23

The word for “cloak” or “sleeve” (kanaph) also refers to the “wing” or “extremity” of God in this Messianic reference:

But for you who fear my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings. You shall go forth leaping like calves from the stall.

Malachi 4:2 (RSV; 3:20 in NABRE)

And the Word of the Lord From Jerusalem

The prophecy of multitudes reaching for the wings of the Lord’s garments literally came to pass:

Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed.

Mark 6:56 (cf. Matthew 14:36)

A woman suffering hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the tassel on his cloak. She said to herself, “If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured.” Jesus turned around and saw her, and said, “Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you.” And from that hour the woman was cured.

Matthew 9:20-22 (cf. Luke 8:43-48)

Divine power issued from the Word of the Lord, the torah made flesh.

You indeed are my savior,
and in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy.

Psalm 63:7(8)