Definition: And the land of Judah shall be a terror unto Egypt, every one that maketh mention thereof shall be afraid in himself, because of the counsel of the LORD of hosts, which he hath determined against it.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 19:17. It’s a really important and somewhat dramatic statement about the future of Israel. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that the land of Judah (which includes modern-day Israel) will become incredibly dangerous for Egypt. It’s not just any danger, but a deep, pervasive fear – a feeling of dread and anxiety. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And the land of Judah shall be a terror unto Egypt…” : This means that the land of Judah will become a place of constant worry and fear for Egypt. It’s not just a fleeting issue; it’s going to be a persistent problem. “…every one that maketh mention thereof shall be afraid in himself…” : This is key. It's everyone who thinks about or talks about Judah will feel anxious and worried. It’s not just a few people – it’s the entire population of the land. "...because of the counsel of the LORD of hosts, which he hath determined against it.” : This is where the seriousness really comes in. “The counsel of the Lord” refers to God's plan and guidance. But this verse says that God has determined a negative outcome for Judah. It’s like He's already made up his mind – a very difficult situation. What does it mean in a bigger picture? This passage is often interpreted as a warning about the potential for Israel to become isolated and vulnerable, perhaps even leading to conflict with Egypt (which represents oppression and power). It speaks to themes of: Divine Sovereignty: God is in control and has a plan for His people. Protection: God is protecting his people from harm. Challenges & Trials: The verse acknowledges that Israel will face significant difficulties, but it's a challenge that God will ultimately overcome. Important Note: It’s crucial to remember this verse was written long ago and doesn’t necessarily predict the future with absolute certainty. But it highlights God's power and His plan for his chosen people. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect it to a particular historical event or figure? Discuss what this verse might be teaching us about faith and trust?