The breath of our nostrils, the LORD's anointed, was captured in their pits; of whom we said, "Under his shadow we will live among the nations"—the verse identifies the anointed one (the king) as the lifebreath of the nation, yet he is captured. The phrase "under his shadow we will live" suggests that Israel trusted in the king as protection; the Davidic covenant promised perpetual kingship. Theologically, the verse represents the failure of the Davidic promise: the anointed one is captured rather than protective. The capture of the king represents the failure of Israel's political and theological hopes; the dynasty seems ended. The verse emphasizes that Israel's expectations have been shattered; the one on whom they relied has been captured and is no longer able to provide safety. The verse raises the question: what becomes of the Davidic covenant when the king is captured?

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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