Definition: That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased! the golden city ceased!

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 14:4. It's a pretty dramatic and hopeful message about God’s protection. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God is going to intervene to stop an oppressor – someone who is abusing their power and causing harm – from continuing their cruel actions. It's a promise of divine intervention and restoration. Let’s unpack the parts: “That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon…” - This refers to a specific king, Babylon. It’s not just any king; it’s a king who is known for being oppressive and unjust. Think of someone like Nebuchadnezzar, who was a powerful ruler but also known for his cruelty. “…and say, How hath the oppressor ceased! the golden city ceased!” - This is the key part. “How hath the oppressor ceased?” – This means that the oppressor's oppressive actions have stopped. They’ve finally found a way to stop their cruelty and injustice. “the golden city ceased!” – This refers to Babylon's magnificent, opulent capital city. It was once known for its wealth and power. Because the oppressor is stopping their actions, Babylon’s splendor has lost its shine. Overall Meaning: The verse expresses a feeling of hope and relief because God is actively intervening to stop an evil person from continuing to cause harm. It’s a message of divine protection and restoration – that God is working to right wrongs and bring justice. Why is this important? This passage is often interpreted as a prophecy of the future, suggesting that God will ultimately defeat evil and restore peace to the world. It's a reminder that God is always watching over us and protecting us from harm. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about the time this verse was written? Discuss the symbolism behind it (e.g., the golden city)?