Definition: LORD, in trouble have they visited thee, they poured out a prayer [when] thy chastening [was] upon them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 26:16. It’s a really powerful and hopeful message. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where people are experiencing deep pain and despair. But then, God shows up to help them, offering forgiveness and restoration. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: "Isaiah 26:16 LORD, in trouble have they visited thee..." – This means that God is feeling deeply troubled right now. He's facing a challenge or difficulty that he finds overwhelming. “They” refers to the people experiencing this trouble. "...they poured out a prayer [when] thy chastening [was] upon them." – This is the crucial part. "Chastening" means to correct someone, to discipline them, or to bring them into alignment with God’s will. So, “thy chastening” refers to a time when God was trying to help them become better and more righteous. When this correction happened, people cried out in prayer – they were asking for help and guidance. Putting it all together: The verse says that God is experiencing significant hardship right now. But instead of letting the trouble consume him, He responds by offering a kind of healing and restoration through prayer and forgiveness. It’s like saying, "Even though I'm struggling, I’m not alone. I’m offering you a chance to find peace and a new beginning." Overall Meaning: This verse is a message of hope. It suggests that God doesn’t just sit by while people suffer; He actively intervenes to offer comfort, forgiveness, and the opportunity for renewal. It emphasizes that even in difficult times, God cares deeply about his people and is willing to work through them. In essence, it's a story of God’s love and mercy being offered to those who are struggling. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this verse in a specific context (like the suffering of Israel)?