Definition: And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD [is] a God of judgment: blessed [are] all they that wait for him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 30:18. It's a really important message about God’s relationship with us. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse says: “God is waiting for you and wants to be kind to you. He’s also willing to show mercy – forgiveness – because He’s a God who judges people fairly. But, He’s blessed to bless those who wait for Him.” Let's unpack it a little further: “And therefore will the LORD wait…” - This means God is intentionally pausing and watching over us. He isn’t rushing in; he’s taking time to consider our situation. “…that he may be gracious unto you…” - “Gracious” means kind, forgiving, and welcoming. God wants to treat us with kindness and compassion. “therefore will he be exalted…” - This suggests that God’s goodness is increasing as we wait for him. He's growing in his favor. “…that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD [is] a God of judgment:” – “Mercy” means forgiveness and compassion. But, God also has a way of judging people. This part is important – God’s judgment isn’t about punishment; it’s about making sure things are right and fair. “for the LORD [is] a God of judgment:” - This reinforces that God doesn't just forgive randomly; He has standards and will hold people accountable. “blessed [are] all they that wait for him.” – This is the key part. It means that anyone who waits for God, puts their trust in Him, and prays for forgiveness will be blessed – meaning they'll receive a blessing from God. It’s about having faith and hope in God. In a nutshell: God isn't just passively waiting; He wants to be involved, kind, and merciful, and He’s actively rewarding those who trust in Him and patiently wait for His return. It’s a message of hope – even when things seem bleak, there’s always the possibility of God’s grace. Think of it like this: God is planting a seed. We are the seeds. Waiting for him means we're putting our faith in him to grow and flourish. Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, or perhaps explore its significance within a particular context (like the story of Israel’s exile)?