They couldn t walk to the village well and get a gourd of water or stop at a neighbor s for a piece of bread. They were dependent on their captors for their very livelihood. However, this is about to change. The years of exile were about to end, and in this oracle, we hear the words of the Lord proclaiming a new way of life. When the Hebrew people return to the Promised Land, they will feast well, and they will live in the steadfast love of the Lord.
Life is about to change.
After years in exile, paying a great price for the basic necessities of life, God promises the people that, when the return to the Promised Land, they will enjoy a time of plenty. The people are being called by the Lord to return to their land and, most importantly, return to God. Just as God promised to keep the covenant with David the same covenant God promised to keep with Abraham God promises to keep with the people now as they leave their exile. Just as David was their leader in the past, the Hebrew people will be leaders of many nations in the years to follow. Life is about to change.