Today’s Scripture Reading (March 18,
2014): Jeremiah 31
Tomyris was
a queen of a nomadic people that inhabited the Iran during the 6th
Century B.C.E. How she rose to be queen is unclear, but she was queen and she
ruled well over her people. Ancient historical records indicate that the
Persian Emperor, Cyrus the Great, wanted to rule over Tomyris’ people. But
rather than attacking Tomyris, Cyrus offered to marry Tomyris and take over her
empire in that way. But Tomyris refused the offer. Instead, relations between
the two leaders deteriorated until Tomyris offered to meet Cyrus on a level plain
in central Asia so that the two armies could meet in an honorable battle. And
Cyrus agreed to the offer.
But Cyrus
knew that Tomyris’ people were unfamiliar with the effects of wine. So Cyrus
left a camp for the soldiers of Tomyris that was well stocked with food – and wine.
When the soldiers found the camp, the soldiers ate and drank themselves into
oblivion. And when the soldiers of Cyrus showed up, the soldiers of Tomyris
were no match for Cyrus’ experienced army. But when Tomyris learned of the treachery,
she personally led her army against the Persian forces. And it was in this
battle that Tomyris’ troops got the upper hand and inflicted heavy casualties
on the Persian forces. And in this fight, Tomyris had a chance to face down her
former suitor, and it was Tomyris that won, killing the great Persian Emperor.
This battle on a plain in central Asia was enough to lift Tomyris to the role
of a warrior queen.
Jeremiah
asks Israel how long she intends to wander and be unfaithful. Some versions of
this text have translated the word Daughter as virgin. And the line of thought
seems to be that Israel was supposed to be the one who was faithful, but they
had desired something different. So God was going to save them, but he was
going to do it with a daughter – a virgin – who would remain faithful to him.
The key
passage is that God ‘will create a new thing on earth.” A woman who will
protect the man – a virgin that will give birth to a child. The prediction is
not of the rise of a Tomyris, or even the return of a Deborah – a warrior woman
within the Israelite historical story. This would be new. When interpreted from
within the Messianic passages, we see this as a woman who will be the protector
of the man – the one who would be the Messiah.
A virgin
will be with child, and she will bear the child and protect the chid – the Messiah
– until the time came for him to be revealed. This faithful woman would be a
key factor in the ultimate saving of Israel – and in all that would follow
afterward.
Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:
Jeremiah 32
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