100. "So Shall He Sprinkle Many Nations"

"So Shall He Sprinkle Many Nations"

(Isaiah 52:15) When a feast is given, a servant stands at the door with perfumed liquids such as rose water or orange blossom water, and sprinkles the guests as they enter. This sprinkling is understood to fit them for the presence of the entertainer, to declare them his guests, and, as such, to place them under his favor and protection.

I knew nothing of this custom and when entering a home to attend a wedding, was somewhat startled when a shower of rosewater went over my head, face and clothing. Then a friend explained that the perfuming fitted me for the marriage feast and made me a guest. The prophet Isaiah no doubt had this in mind, when he said, "So shall he sprinkle many nations."