The Prophets - Beth-El's Stained Glass Windows

Fourth panel on the East Side.

(Upper Section): A younger contemporary of Isaiah, Micah has left for prosperity a concise definition of religion. Religion according to Micah consists in doing justly, loving mercy and in walking humbly with God. These three themes are represented in the window.

The concept of "mishpat" or justice is the antidote for the sin of the false balances and weights. Humility or "hatzneah" is the counterpart of the calves, the rams, and the rivers of oil. Finally, "hesed" or loyalty to God is the anti­thesis of materialism, which is represented in the window by chariots and fortifications.

Micah is noted for his restatement of the "spears to pruning hook" philosophy contained in Isaiah. He developed the concept of forgiveness, which concludes the book and in Chapter IV stated this remarkable concept of universality:

"For let all the peoples walk each one in the name of its God but we will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and ever."

(Lower Section): In this panel, the word, "Nineveh" appears because the main concern of the prophet, Nahum is with the punishment of Assyria. To them that take refuge in Him, the Lord is a stronghold "but," said the prophet, “darkness shall pursue his enemies."

Symbols of the forthcoming destruction of Assyria were: the lions that are destroyed, the fig tree ready for plucking, melting mountains, whirlwinds, a dust storm, prancing horses, jumping chariot, flashing sword, glittering spear, blue shields and the river pouring in the opening gates of the city.

As far as his people are concerned, Nahum promised that the Lord would restore the pride of Jacob.

In Loving Memory of Our Dear Husband and Father, Joseph B. Wasserman

 

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