Definition: And he shall not look to the altars, the work of his hands, neither shall respect [that] which his fingers have made, either the groves, or the images.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 17:8. It’s a pretty profound and important message about God’s perspective and His plan for the world. Here's a simple explanation: Basically, it means: God doesn’t care about things created by humans – like temples, shrines, or idols. He doesn’t need to be involved in activities that are made by us. Let's unpack it further: “He shall not look to the altars…” - This refers to God’s perspective. Think of it as His gaze and judgment. It’s about His watchfulness and awareness. “…the work of his hands…” – This means anything He creates or does – whether it's a building, a plan, or even just the way things are – is seen through God’s eyes. It's not something He has to do . “neither shall respect [that] which his fingers have made…” - This is key. "His fingers" represents human ambition, effort, and plans. It means that anything created by us (even if it seems good or important) isn’t really his concern. It's not a thing He needs to manage or control. “either the groves, or the images…” - This is the most striking part. "Groves" refers to temples and shrines – places of worship. “Images” refer to idols or representations of people. God doesn’t need to be involved in things that are made for human worship or devotion. What does this mean practically? It's a warning against pride, ambition, and focusing on things that are made by humans without God's guidance. It suggests that true faith and obedience come from God alone, not from our own efforts or creations. It’s about recognizing that God is in control of everything. In essence, it's a reminder to trust in God's plan and not to be consumed by earthly ambition. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Give you some examples of what this verse could mean in a specific context (like the coming of Christ)?