Przemiana pustyni przez wodę u Iz 40-55

Abstract

Summarizing our reflections on the Biblical picture of the desert being turned into fertile soil, it can he stated that it is very characteristic of the Near East and of its part – Palestine. And so it found its place in the Bible since the Bible was written in these surroundings. A spectacular character of this phenomenon perfectly illustrates the work of God. It is as wonderful and creative as is the miracle of life in an irrigated desert. God’s work on man is in every respect generous, beneficial and positive. This work can bring about a quick and marvelous change for better. Theology will later try to define more thvroughly what God’s work exactly consists in. The Bible, with its pictorial style, does not define but gives a vivid, suggestive and easily understood picture. The picture is naturally not as precise as a theological definition and yet its beauty appeals to imagination so much more. It is also easier to understand even for those who are not educated. Even the best definition is unable to render the entire beauty of a picture. The picture of water changing the desert became in later books a picture of the work of the Holy Spirit.