Definition: In their streets they shall gird themselves with sackcloth: on the tops of their houses, and in their streets, every one shall howl, weeping abundantly.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this incredibly powerful verse from Isaiah 15:3. It’s a really striking image filled with urgency and hope. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where God is about to unleash a terrible judgment upon a specific group of people who are rejecting Him. It's a desperate plea from God, warning them that they’re on the verge of complete devastation. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “In their streets they shall gird themselves with sackcloth…” - Imagine someone wrapping themselves in layers of heavy cloth – that’s like “sackcloth.” This symbolizes a state of distress, fear, and preparation for something terrible to happen. It suggests they are overwhelmed by worry and anxiety. “…on the tops of their houses, and in their streets, every one shall howl…” - The houses themselves are being highlighted. “Howl” means a loud, mournful cry – it’s a desperate, painful sound of anguish. This is a very strong expression of pain and suffering. It's not just sadness; it’s a deep, overwhelming feeling of despair. “…weeping abundantly.” - This is the key part. The weeping isn't just a little tearful sadness. It’s abundant . It means they are weeping so much – overflowing with grief and remorse. It’s a massive outpouring of sorrow. So, what does it all mean? Isaiah 15:3 is essentially a warning about the consequences of rejecting God. It suggests that these people are in a position to experience profound suffering if they continue down their current path. The verse points to a future time when their choices will lead to widespread destruction and despair, because they won’t listen to God's word or acknowledge His righteousness. Overall Feeling: The image is incredibly dramatic and evokes a sense of impending doom and divine judgment. It's a stark reminder that God holds us accountable for our choices and that we need to turn back to Him if we want to avoid the consequences of rejecting His love. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse in more detail? Relate it to a specific biblical story or concept? Give you some context about the history and meaning of Isaiah 15?