Definition: From the uttermost part of the earth have we heard songs, [even] glory to the righteous. But I said, My leanness, my leanness, woe unto me! the treacherous dealers have dealt treacherously; yea, the treacherous dealers have dealt very treacherously.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Isaiah 24:16. It's a really powerful and somewhat sobering verse. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is about recognizing that God knows things before we even realize them ourselves. It’s a warning about the dangers of those who are driven by greed and deceit. Let’s unpack it word-by-word: “From the uttermost part of the earth have we heard songs…” – This means God has been listening to humanity since the beginning, even before there were humans. He's aware of our desires, our hopes, and even our worst impulses. It’s like a constant stream of awareness. “…even glory to the righteous.” – This is the key part. The verse emphasizes that God specifically wants to hear about those who are living righteously - those who are striving to do what's good, honest, and just. It’s a recognition of goodness. “But I said, My leanness, my leanness, woe unto me! the treacherous dealers have dealt treacherously; yea, the treacherous dealers have dealt very treacherously.” – This is where it gets really intense. The speaker (Isaiah) says that he knows that those who are driven by greed and deceit – those who are focused on making more money at any cost – are incredibly dangerous. “My leanness” suggests a state of being filled with selfishness and dissatisfaction, while “treacherous dealers” refers to people who are actively deceiving or harming others. “They have dealt very treacherously” emphasizes the severity of their actions. In simpler terms: God is aware of those who are primarily concerned with personal gain and deceit, and He sees them as a significant threat to the world. It’s a judgment about those who prioritize materialism over morality. What does this mean for us? This verse encourages us to: Be honest with ourselves: Recognize when we're tempted by greed or selfish desires. Strive for righteousness: Focus on living a life guided by goodness, compassion, and honesty. Watch out for those who are deceptive: Be wary of people who seem to be exploiting others for their own benefit. Overall Significance: Isaiah 24:16 is a call to vigilance – a reminder that God’s awareness extends far beyond our immediate perspective and that those who prioritize personal gain over morality pose a serious risk to the world. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or example? Discuss its symbolism?