Definition: The LORD of hosts hath purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, [and] to bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 23:9. It's a pretty powerful and somewhat poetic passage about God’s plan for the future. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says that God has a very specific plan for how things will end – and it’s going to be a harsh one. Let’s unpack each part: “The LORD of hosts hath purposed it…” This is a big, dramatic phrase. “Lord” means God, and “purposed” means He has a plan or purpose. So, this suggests that God knows exactly what will happen. “…to stain the pride of all glory…” This is where it gets a little more complex. "Stain" means to make something darker or uglier. "Pride" refers to someone’s self-importance and feeling superior. So, this part suggests that God intends to diminish the arrogance and vanity of people on Earth. It's like He wants to show them how foolish they are. “[and] to bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth.” "Contempt" means to look down upon someone or something as unworthy or worthless. “All the honourable” refers to people who are considered wise, noble, and good. This part emphasizes that God will make these honorable people feel ashamed and disgraced – essentially, they’ll be brought low. In a nutshell, Isaiah 23:9 is saying that God intends to punish arrogance and vanity on Earth, making those who boast and think themselves superior look foolish. It's a message of judgment and a hope for eventual restoration and a more righteous world. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a prophecy about the future destruction of Israel and the nation of Judah. However, it’s also seen as a broader warning against pride and the dangers of neglecting God's will. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Discuss its connection to other biblical stories or prophecies? Or maybe you have a specific question about it?