Definition: And it shall be as the chased roe, and as a sheep that no man taketh up: they shall every man turn to his own people, and flee every one into his own land.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Isaiah 13:14. It’s a really powerful and somewhat unsettling image. Here's a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse describes a situation where someone is so intensely focused on their own desires and self-interest that they become completely isolated and avoid any connection with others. It’s like a runaway, driven solely by its own needs. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And it shall be as the chased roe…” : This is a metaphor for someone who is desperately pursued or targeted. Think of a rabbit being chased – it's driven away from its home and safety. “…and as a sheep that no man taketh up:” This compares the person to a sheep. Sheep are meant to be cared for and protected by a community. This means they’re vulnerable and isolated. “They shall every man turn to his own people…” : This is the crucial part. It says that everyone will turn away from connection with others. Each individual will choose to focus solely on their own group, their own comfort, or their own needs. “…and flee every one into his own land.” This means they'll run away completely – physically and emotionally – into their own area of life, their own space, their own territory. They’ll abandon any effort to connect with anyone else. The Big Picture & Interpretation: Isaiah 13:14 is a warning about the potential for selfishness and isolation that can arise when people become consumed by their own desires. It suggests that this kind of focus on oneself can lead to problems – potentially even devastating ones – if it isolates individuals from their community and causes them to lose sight of what’s truly important. It's often interpreted as a metaphor for: Political conflict: Historically, this verse has been linked to the story of King Jehu in the Book of Judges. Jehu, driven by his own ambition and desire for revenge, led his people into a bloody conflict that resulted in widespread devastation. Individualism vs. Community: It highlights the tension between focusing on oneself and the importance of community, connection, and shared responsibility. Important Note: The exact meaning and significance of this verse have been debated throughout history. It’s a complex passage with layers of symbolism. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss its historical context in more detail? Provide some modern-day examples of this kind of behavior?