Ancient tradition among minstrels refers to them as hearing the awen (spirit) of prophecy. They would then sing these messages in their songs.
The bowl symbolism often refers to judgments against those who do harm to others.
The signs in the sun and moon could be references to prophecies from Joel and Jesus about the final judgment at "the end of the age."
The task of the prophet/bard (sometimes) was to warn of a coming judgment, so that people could give up their harmful words/actions, and look to God for mercy, while there was time.
Rather than humbling themselves in the presence of a God they cannot control, and rather than having faith in an unseen mystery, people sometimes prefer to make their own gods, usually things that give them the illusion of control: power, money, etc. (i.e. the golden calf)
Seeking control over the world around us, over others, and even over god leads to the very harmful behaviors that bring judgment.
Refusing to let go, refusing to listen, the warning goes unheeded. Judgement falls, and the gods we make with our own hands can't save us.
Hands up to the sky, the angel passes by. Possibly a reference to the Passover tradition, where people were willing to leave a land of idols and slavery, by looking to God for freedom and mercy. The angel of judgment "passes by," or "passes over" them.
Mercy and freedom are offered in the message. Will we listen? What will we choose?
Ancient tradition among minstrels refers to them as hearing the awen (spirit) of prophecy. They would then sing these messages in their songs.
The bowl symbolism often refers to judgments against those who do harm to others.
The signs in the sun and moon could be references to prophecies from Joel and Jesus about the final judgment at "the end of the age."
The task of the prophet/bard (sometimes) was to warn of a coming judgment, so that people could give up their harmful words/actions, and look to God for mercy, while there was time.
Rather than humbling themselves in the presence of a God they cannot control, and rather than having faith in an unseen mystery, people sometimes prefer to make their own gods, usually things that give them the illusion of control: power, money, etc. (i.e. the golden calf)
Seeking control over the world around us, over others, and even over god leads to the very harmful behaviors that bring judgment.
Refusing to let go, refusing to listen, the warning goes unheeded. Judgement falls, and the gods we make with our own hands can't save us.
Hands up to the sky, the angel passes by. Possibly a reference to the Passover tradition, where people were willing to leave a land of idols and slavery, by looking to God for freedom and mercy. The angel of judgment "passes by," or "passes over" them.
Mercy and freedom are offered in the message. Will we listen? What will we choose?