Definition: And it shall come to pass in the day that the LORD shall give thee rest from thy sorrow, and from thy fear, and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve,
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful verse from Isaiah 14:3. It's a really powerful message about God’s care for us. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about God’s comfort and protection when we are suffering – both emotionally (sorrow) and physically (fear). He’s offering us a time of peace and release from difficult situations. Let's unpack it word by word: “Isaiah 14” : This refers to a prophecy written by the prophet Isaiah, who lived around 580 BC during a time of great turmoil in Judah (a region in Israel). “3” : It’s a number of significance – it represents a specific period of time. “And it shall come to pass…” : This is an future promise – something that will happen eventually . It's not something happening right now, but in the future. “…in the day…” : "The day" refers to a specific, significant period of time – often interpreted as God’s time or His plan. “That the LORD shall give thee rest from thy sorrow…” : This means God will remove your pain and sadness. It's about relieving you of burdens that are weighing you down. "Rest" here isn’t just physical sleep; it represents a deep sense of peace and tranquility. “…and from thy fear…” : This speaks to the anxiety and worry that might be holding you back. God wants to take away your terror. “…and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve.” : This is the most important part for many people. It means God is freeing you from being controlled or exploited in a difficult situation – perhaps a harmful relationship, oppressive circumstances, or unfair demands. “Bondage” means being held captive; “made to serve” means being forced to do something against your will. Overall Meaning: Isaiah 14 essentially says that God sees us and knows we are suffering. He doesn’t want you to be in pain or trapped. He offers a promise of relief – a time when you can find peace, freedom from fear, and no longer have to endure difficult conditions. It's a message of hope and reassurance about God's love and protection. Why is this important? This verse is often used as a reminder that: God cares deeply for us, even when we are struggling. He’s willing to listen to our needs and offer comfort. He wants to free us from burdens that hold us back. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in a different way? (e.g., using imagery?) Discuss the context of this passage within the Old Testament? Connect it to other stories or teachings about God’s care?