Both Sunday’s first reading from Isaiah and Psalm 72, the congregation’s response to the reading, describe visitors from Africa who journey north seeking God’s light in Israel. The scriptures of the Epiphany Liturgy of the Word combine to describe journeys that traverse the earth — the magi from east to west, the caravans of Sheba from south to north.
Third Isaiah, a prophet during Israel’s rebuilding after the exile, envisions God restoring Israel to the splendor it had in Solomon’s reign, when the Queen of Sheba came to visit. Psalm 72 describes the messianic era as a time when justice will flower and kings of Tarshish, the Isles, Arabia, and Sheba — the ends of the earth — will bring gifts and tribute.
The Queen of Sheba, Makeda, whose mother educated her to become head of state, ruled from 1005-955 B.C. in upper Egypt, Ethiopia, and parts of Arabia. She is legendary for her wealth and trading caravans. She had 520 camels and 370 ships. In 985 B.C., she received an expedition from China. Her journey north to visit Solomon not only honored his kingdom but gave Israel importance among nations.
Like the magi, the Queen of Sheba and the other kings mentioned in Psalm 72 come from afar. Their journeys testify to the glory of Israel’s God. Matthew sees the queen’s visit as a foreshadowing of the faith of Gentiles “in one greater than Solomon” (12.42).
God’s glory shines in Israel.
Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem!
Your light has come,
the glory of the Holy One
shines upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth;
thick clouds cover the peoples;
but upon you the Holy One shines,
and over you appears God’s glory.
Nations shall walk by your light,
rulers by your shining radiance.
Lift up your eyes and look around;
they all gather together,
they come to you; your sons
shall come from far away,
your daughters shall be carried
on their nurses’ arms.
Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart will thrill and overflow
for the abundance of the sea
shall be brought to you,
and the wealth of the nations
will come to you.
Caravans of camels
shall fill you, dromedaries
from Midian and Ephah;
all from Sheba shall come
bearing gold and frankincense,
and proclaiming the praises
of the Holy One.
Isaiah 60.1-6
- What spiritual riches have you received from the peoples of one of the four directions?