This chapter foretells the rule of a righteous king and encourages those who are complacent to wake up.
“Behold, a king will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule in justice. Each will be like a hiding place from the wind, a shelter from the storm, like streams of water in a dry place, like the shade of a great rock in a weary land. Then… the ears of those who hear will give attention. The heart of the hasty will understand and know, and the tongue of the stammerers will hasten to speak distinctly.” (v1-4 abr)
When someone who is righteous and just governs, people tend to pay attention. There have been so many examples of poor leaders over the years (even by the point this passage was written) that it’s plain to see when one chooses to obey God. When you have (or are) a righteous leader, God’s many blessings follow: there is bountiful provision, protection, and healing. Following (or being) a poor leader will inevitably lead to ruin.
This passage is likely speaking of King Hezekiah or King Josiah, however it certainly foreshadows Jesus, the most righteous and just of all kings. Under His leadership there is massive blessing, far more than we can imagine, especially once we are face to face with Him in heaven. In the meantime, there are still blessings here on earth, though they’re mixed in with the curses we receive as a result of sin.
I encourage us to hang in there. I know there are still many storms in life from which we need shelter and rescue, though we can have peace in our spirits knowing Jesus is here with us. We will see an end to the storms when the New Heaven and New Earth are complete, or we go to be with our Father in Heaven. God promises us vast blessing for remaining steadfast under trial, and we can rely fully on God’s promises.
Father God, our Righteous and Just Lord, You bless us so richly. We can’t wait to find ourselves face to face with You in Heaven, though we still receive many blessings in the meantime. Please help us to acknowledge the blessings we have in this world, celebrate You for who You are, and praise Your name in front of our neighbors so they too may recognize Your blessings. May we conduct ourselves in alignment with Your righteousness, may we treat people justly, and may we honor Your name in our daily lives. All honor, glory, and praise be unto You, O Lord God almighty, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training