Definition: Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them, which shall not regard silver; and [as for] gold, they shall not delight in it.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 13:17. It’s a really powerful and dramatic statement about God's anger towards a specific people – the Medes. Here’s a simplified explanation: What it means: This verse essentially says that God is going to actively provoke a war against the Medes (a large Persian-influenced kingdom) in a way that makes them feel incredibly worthless and unappreciated. It's saying they will be treated as if their possessions – silver and gold – are meaningless compared to God’s wrath. Let’s unpack it further: “I will stir up the Medes…” : This is a strong command from God. He isn't just mildly annoyed; he’s going to actively cause trouble. “…against them…” : This refers to the Medes, who were a powerful and wealthy kingdom in ancient Persia. They were known for their wealth and influence. “which shall not regard silver; and [as for] gold…” : This is the key part. The verse highlights that they won’t value anything – silver and gold – as much as God does. It's a direct comparison to the divine perspective. It implies they will see their wealth as insignificant compared to something far greater. "[as for] gold, they shall not delight in it.” : This is a metaphorical statement. Gold represents power, prestige, and material possessions – things that are often considered valuable by humans. The verse suggests that God sees these things as shallow and meaningless in the grand scheme of things. What’s the message? The verse paints a picture of a situation where God is prioritizing his own judgment over the well-being of a people he's chosen to bless. It’s a message about divine justice, wrath, and the ultimate importance of God's relationship with humanity. Important Note: This is a complex verse, and it's often interpreted in various ways throughout history. It doesn’t necessarily mean that the Medes were actually evil or malicious. It speaks to God’s righteous anger at their actions – perhaps actions that were causing him to feel uncomfortable or burdened. Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Isaiah%2013%2017](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Isaiah%2013%2017) The Bible Project: [https://thebiblestory.com/israel-13-17/](https://thebiblestory.com/israel-13-17/) --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Explore how this verse relates to other parts of the Bible?