God Who Fights

Embarrassment is a very uncomfortable feeling most people seek to avoid. But it often depends on what we are exactly embarrassed by. Being embarrassed by our association with God does not usually come to mind when we think of being ashamed, but it was real to the ancient Israelites who operated in the realm of honor and shame like most easterners. For them, defeat in war and being conquered is shameful situation. In Isaiah Chapter 50, the prophet describes God’s relationship with Israel in a very pictorial and poetic language, typical of the prophets. They describe how God aims to restore the dignity of his people who were oppressed and conquered. Hashem says, Veyadat ki ani ADONAI, asher lo yevoshu kovai - “Know that I am Hashem, and those who wait or hope for me will not be ashamed or embarrassed.”