Engaging Old Testament prophetic literature in traumatic times of loss and grief

Wilhelm J Wessels

doi:10.4102/hts.v77i4.6441

Abstract

This article addresses not only the matter of loss and grief but also hope and recovery. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has hugely affected not only South Africans but also people globally. One of the key features of this pandemic is loss and the associated grief. To explore these topics, the author has engaged prophetic literature, more specifically the books of Isaiah and Jeremiah, which present compelling cases of loss and grief. An attempt was made to identify similarities between the experiences of the people of Judah and our current experiences of loss and grief because of the pandemic. Whilst the reality of loss and grief is validated, the positive role of prophetic words of comfort and hope is also valued.Contribution: This article offers original research in the field of biblical studies, more specifically, in the field of the Old Testament. This is in line with the scope of the article aims at relating texts from the prophetic literature to a current challenging situation of grief and loss because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Highlights

If ever there was a challenging time for our generation, 2020–2021, with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the real deal
Many people say that this pandemic has changed our world so profoundly that nothing will ever be the same again. At this stage, to determine the real impact of COVID-19 on countries, work environments, economies and our social lives; we are already experiencing some of in various aspects of our lives. These aspects are the more obvious indicators that confirm the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is, the more hidden aspects, namely the social and psychological effects that will only show as time passes, which may require intervention in the long term
We can agree that the people of Judah have experienced challenging situations that resulted in loss, disappointment, pain, grief and trauma

Summary

Introduction

If ever there was a challenging time for our generation, 2020–2021, with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the real deal. The message of Isaiah 40 and following chapters is that a new beginning for the people of Judah is imminent, there is hope for the future (Berges 2012:303) The implication of this is that between the prophetic announcement to King Hezekiah, in chapter 39, of the future involvement of the Babylonian Empire in the affairs of the southern Kingdom and the situation addressed in chapter 40 onwards, a great deal has transpired in the history of Judah that have not been covered in the book of Isaiah. This is where the book of Jeremiah comes in. 28 Is this man Coniah a despised broken pot, a vessel no one wants? Why are he and his offspring hurled out and cast away in a land that they do not know?

30 Thus says the LORD

26 Lift up your eyes on high and see

Conclusion