Silent Injustice

Isaiah uses the verb “be silent” (chashah) seven times. Nearly every time, it is Yahweh who is silent. He has restrained Himself until He cannot hold it in (42:14, 2x), keeping silent so long that Judah began to think they could get away with anything (57:11).

For Zion’s sake He (or His Servant) refuses to be quiet (62:1) and He appoints watchmen who are continue speaking without cessation (62:6). When Israel complains that He keeps silent at their affliction (64:12), He promises that He will not keep silent: He will repay (65:6).

When God is silent, things go badly. The wicked flourish and justice is not done; Zion languishes in darkness, a bereft widow; no one is repaid for their works. Judah wants God to speak, and His speech is always an act. By His word, He lays waste mountains and hills, makes Jerusalem burst with a flame of justice, gives Israel’s enemies their wages.

Justice comes when the silent God speaks His righteous Word.