And your land, Married.

 

Isaiah 62:1-5

Haiku of vindication

Claiming the True God

as their own, Israel feels shame

at so much failure.

The chosen people

are to be restored, after

their years of disgrace.

Their restoration

is hardly a reward, but

rather comes from grace.

God makes promises:

Zion's vindication will

be seen by nations.

A crown of beauty

and a royal diadem

in the hand of God.

Desolate no more,

nor forsaken; the nation

becomes God's delight.

Call the land “Married.”

God is joined to God's people

in deep commitment.

A bridegroom takes joy

in his bride; so God takes joy

in Zion's children.

© Ken Rookes 2025

Fear not, I am with you.

Isaiah 43:1-7 

Haiku of assurance

The Lord speaks: Don't fear,

you are redeemed. I call you

by name; you are mine.

I will be with you,

flooding waters won't harm you,

nor will the fire burn.

God's playing favourite,

saves Israel; cares little

for lesser peoples!

Precious in God's sight

is Israel. More precious

than other nations?

Ancient promises

revealing exclusive views

of the deity.

The prophet declares

the unfailing love of God

bringing people home.

Created for God's

glory: Israel. Or so

these writings affirm.

© Ken Rookes 2025

No, I don't think that this passage has anything to say to the current situation in the Middle East.

I would expect that current prophets are those condemning the vengeance, violence and the killing, on all sides, and calling for peace.

Mourning into joy

 

Haiku of promise

(Jeremiah 31:7-14)

The Lord says, Shout out!

Sing gladly, sing out loud, praise

the chief of nations.

Proclaim, praise and say:

Lord, save them; those who remain,

of Jacob's offspring.

They had been scattered,

Jacob's children; the remnant

shall now be brought home.

Rejoice, Israel,

from the earth's most distant parts

they shall return here.

They'll come with weeping

the lame, the blind, those with child,

and those in labour.

They will walk by streams

on straight paths. They'll not stumble,

I'll be their father.

Let all nations hear:

I now gather the scattered;

Jacob is redeemed.

They will be joyful

at the harvest; grain, wine, oil,

showing God's goodness.

Flock and herd prosper!

They'll be like watered gardens,

they shall not languish

Young women shall dance,

young men and old make merry;

mourning turns to joy.

© Ken Rookes 2024

The boy, Samuel

Haiku of childhood

Like sending your kids

to boarding school, Samuel

was sent to Eli.

A linen ephod,

the humble uniform worn

by boy Samuel.

Each year his mum came,

with her hand-made robe. A gift

of guilt for her son?

Hannah, Elkanah

offered sacrifice each year;

Eli would bless them.

May God repay you

with more children, for giving

your son to the Lord.

The boy Samuel

grew, finding favour with God,

and with the people.

Ken Rookes 2024

From Darkness to Light

Haiku of promise

From darkness to light;

a metaphor unequalled.

One for the ages.

The darkness of fear,

uncertainty, the wondrous

light of love and hope

Oppression will end,

the burdensome bar and yoke

will be taken away.

The warriors boots

and garments covered in blood

shall be burned in fire.

A child has been born,

a son, authority rests

upon his shoulders

He has many names:

Wonderful Counsellor, Prince

of Peace, Mighty God.

With justice and truth

he'll establish David's throne.

There'll be endless peace.

Ken Rookes 2024

Published for Christmas Day. From Isaiah chapter 9

Ken Rookes 2024

Bethlehem Ephrathah

Haiku for a birthplace

The prophet Micah

nominates the birthplace town;

it is Bethlehem!

Bethlehem might be

a small place; from her one comes

to rule Israel.

When the time is right

she will give birth; until then

much must be endured.

When he stands to rule,

his absent kindred shall come

home to Israel.

Standing in the strength

of God, he will feed his flock.

They shall live secure.

His name will be known

to the ends of all the earth;

he shall rule in peace.

© Ken Rookes 2024

Sing, Zion's daughters

 

Haiku of hope for people who are oppressed.

Sing, Zion's daughters,

shout, rejoice, be exultant

with your whole being.

Your judgement has passed,

your enemies are scattered;

the Lord has done this.

You need fear no more,

don't grow weak or disheartened;

God is in your midst.

The Lord rejoices

over you. With gladness God

renews you in love.

Disaster is gone,

there is no reproach; I'll deal

with your oppressors.

I will save the lame,

and gather in the outcast,

removing their shame.

I will bring you home,

your fortunes will be restored,

all earth will praise you.

. . . .

When you've been shown grace,

Jesus says, you're expected

to also show grace.

No longer oppressed,

you'd hope they'd extend that same

freedom to others.

© Ken Rookes 2024

Reflecting on Zephaniah 3:14-29

God's Messenger comes

 Haiku for refining

God's messenger comes,

sent to make ready the way;

clearing obstacles.

The Lord whom you seek

will arrive without warning;

make yourselves ready.

He comes to make real

the ancient covenant, made

between God and us.

Not many can stand

before the Lord; not many

will be judged righteous.

Like refining fire

and soap turning wool to felt,

the Lord transforms us.

Like gold and silver

we all need to be refined;

purify us, God.

We must bring ourselves

as a righteous offering,

pleasing to the Lord.

© Ken Rookes 2024

The day is coming

Haiku of righteousness

The day is coming

to fulfil the promise to

Israel, Judah.

At that time, says God,

I'll make a righteous branch spring

up for King David.

Justice, righteousness;

these are what a nation needs.

All else is detail.

Justice, righteousness;

these are the gifts of the one

that God is sending.

Judah will be saved,

Jerusalem will be safe

when justice prevails.

The day is coming,

God says. On that day justice

brings life to the land.

© Ken Rookes 2024

Last words

Haiku of conclusion

They engaged a scribe

to record the final words

of David, the King.

God exalted him,

favoured him above others.

(Despite all his sins).

God's Spirit, said Dave,

speaks through me. His divine word

is upon my tongue.

Israel's Rock says:

A just ruler, fearing God

shines like the morning.

Like the sun rising,

gleaming like rain on the grass;

the king who is just.

God knows I am just.

He makes lasting covenant

with me and my house.

God secures my house,

He will cause it to prosper;

my help and desire.

© Ken Rookes 2024

Hannah's Story

 

Haiku of entreaty

Hannah was favoured

by Elkanah, but sadly,

she had no children.

Hannah wept. Husband

Elkanah spoke words of love

to reassure her.

At Shiloh, Hannah

prayed earnestly to the Lord;

See my misery!

Remember me, Lord.

Give me a child, a son; I'll

give him back to you.

Judge Eli, watching,

thought her drunk, rebuked Hannah:

Put away your wine!

Hannah protested,

Not drunk; merely pouring out

my heart before God.

Eli answered, Go

in peace; may Israel's God

grant your petition.

Back home in Ramah,

Hannah conceived, bore a son,

sang her song of praise.

I asked God for him

and the Lord has answered me.

Samuel's his name.

Hannah sang:

The barren bear fruit,

the mighty will be brought low,

and the poor raised up!

(Sound familiar?)

© Ken Rookes 2024