Definition: For his princes were at Zoan, and his ambassadors came to Hanes.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Isaiah 30:4. It’s a really important and somewhat sobering passage about the future of Israel. Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, it tells us that Israel is facing a difficult time. Here’s a breakdown: “Isaiah 30”: This refers to a prophecy written by Isaiah, a prophet who lived around 8 BC during the reign of King Hezekiah in Judah. Prophecies were essentially messages from God about what was going to happen in the future. “4”: This is the number – it’s a specific point in time. “For his princes were at Zoan”: "Zoan" means "the city" or "the place." This refers to the royal palace of Judah, specifically the area around Zoan. The “princes” are the King's advisors and officials who served him. So, it means that the leaders and people of Judah were gathered in that area. “and his ambassadors came to Hanes”: "Hanes" is a place in Judah – likely a diplomatic or governmental center. "Ambassadors" mean messengers or representatives sent by the King to other kingdoms or nations. This suggests that the King was sending people to try and negotiate with another power, specifically Hanes. So, what does it mean ? It’s suggesting that Israel is in a critical situation . The prophecy says that despite their efforts – their ambassadors trying to make deals – they are failing. They're stuck and unable to achieve peace or prosperity. Think of it like this: It paints a picture of a kingdom struggling, perhaps facing internal conflict or being isolated from other powerful forces. Important Note: This verse is part of a larger prophecy about Israel’s eventual downfall. It's not necessarily a literal prediction of complete destruction, but rather a glimpse into the future – a time when God will judge his people and they will be exiled. --- Do you want to delve deeper into any aspect of this verse? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of the prophecy in more detail? Discuss what it might mean for Israel’s future?