The Kings in Hell — Fr Daniel Berrigan, SJ

On this Good Friday while I consider Jesus, who was condemned by a kangaroo court and executed by the Empire I found myself considering this selection from Fr Daniel Berrigan, SJ’s rendering of the Prophet Isaiah’s thoughts on King Nebuchadnezzar as found in Isaiah 14:4-6.

To this has he come, the tyrant?

to dead end his arrogance?

Yahweh broke him, a dry stick—

broken scepter, broken bones 

In hell

The great braggart and blight

     wavers, staggers forward,

     a face of cobweb—

     a skinny shade,

     ragged, tattered.

Isaiah: Spirit of Courage, Gift of Tears, p. 46