Definition: And behold at eveningtide trouble; [and] before the morning he [is] not. This [is] the portion of them that spoil us, and the lot of them that rob us.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 17:14 together. It’s a pretty powerful and somewhat sobering passage about the future of humanity. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Overall Meaning: This verse is saying that people who are selfish, greedy, and dishonest will be plagued with problems and hardship. It’s predicting a time when people will consistently struggle with difficulties and injustice. Let’s break it down word by word: “And behold at eveningtide trouble” : "Eveningtide" refers to the end of the day, the time when things are quiet and often filled with worry and potential problems. “Trouble” means distress, difficulty, or hardship. So, this suggests a period of instability and challenges is coming. “[and] before the morning he [is] not.” : This is the core of the verse. "He" refers to God himself – He’s observing and witnessing this happening. “Is not” means He doesn't exist or isn't present in a way that would cause these problems. It’s saying that God is not involved in the suffering, but he sees it coming. “This [is] the portion of them that spoil us, and the lot of them that rob us.” : This is where it gets more vivid. "Spoil us" means to damage or harm us – to bring us down. “The lot of them” refers to everyone who is susceptible to this suffering. “Rob us” means to take advantage of us, to steal our possessions and opportunities, and cause us pain and hardship. So, putting it all together: Isaiah 17:14 warns that people who are driven by greed, selfishness, and dishonesty will face a series of challenges and difficulties. It’s a prophecy of a time when these negative behaviors will consistently lead to problems for everyone. It’s a stark warning about the potential for human failings to cause suffering. Important Note: This verse isn't necessarily about specific events in the future, but rather a general trend – a tendency towards negativity and injustice that God is watching over humanity. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious advisor. This explanation is based on interpretations of biblical texts and should be understood as one perspective. Different theological viewpoints may offer different understandings. Do you have any specific questions about this verse, or would you like me to: Explain it in more detail? Connect it to other Bible verses?