Definition: And ye have numbered the houses of Jerusalem, and the houses have ye broken down to fortify the wall.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 22:10. It’s a really important and somewhat surprising one! Here's what it means in simple terms: "Isaiah 22:10 says that God is looking down on Jerusalem and is very upset about the destruction of its houses. ” Let's unpack that: “And ye have numbered the houses of Jerusalem…” – This refers to the entire city of Jerusalem, which was a major center of worship and government in ancient Israel. Isaiah is saying God has meticulously counted every single house in that city. “…and the houses have ye broken down to fortify the wall.” - This is where it gets interesting. The phrase "broken down" suggests they were demolished, destroyed, or significantly damaged. “Fortify the wall” means they were building a defensive structure around the city – likely a wall to protect it from enemies. So, what does this all mean? This verse isn’t about a literal destruction of Jerusalem in the way we might imagine. It's a symbolic message about God’s judgment and a consequence of human wickedness. It suggests that the people of Israel had been practicing injustice, idolatry (worshiping other gods), and neglecting their covenant relationship with God. The Significance: Isaiah 22:10 is often interpreted as a prophecy of judgment against Israel's sins. It’s a warning about the consequences of rejecting God and living in sin. It emphasizes that even seemingly small acts of disobedience can lead to significant repercussions. Important Note: This verse is part of a larger prophetic book called Isaiah, which was written during a time of great political turmoil and spiritual crisis for the Jewish people. It’s a powerful message about God’s justice and his plan for His people. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Give you more context about Isaiah 22? Discuss what this verse might mean in terms of the history of Israel?