Definition: That this [is] a rebellious people, lying children, children [that] will not hear the law of the LORD:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 30:9. It’s a really important and somewhat sobering message about Israel's future. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that the people who are currently called “rebellious” – meaning they don’t listen to God or follow his teachings – will never be able to hear the law of God again. It’s a prophecy about their future. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “That this is a rebellious people…” : This means they are actively defying God and his guidance. They aren't just slightly different; they are deliberately choosing to ignore what he has told them. “…lying children, children [that] will not hear the law of the LORD:” This is the key part. "Children" here refers to the people – specifically, the Israelites after their wandering in the desert and then leaving for a time. The word “children” carries a lot of weight; it suggests a lack of understanding and respect for God’s law. The addition of "[that] will not hear the law of the LORD" emphasizes that they will never be able to understand or obey what God has commanded them. It's like they are deliberately choosing ignorance. What does this mean in a broader sense? This verse speaks to a larger pattern in history and theology: A Broken Covenant: Historically, the Israelites were a covenant people – a special relationship with God that was established and renewed repeatedly. This verse suggests that this covenant is broken. Loss of Guidance: It highlights the loss of spiritual guidance and direction. The law of God has always been a guide for living righteously and following God’s will. When people stop listening, they lose that compass. A Time of Judgment: Historically, this verse often points to a time of judgment or downfall for Israel. It's a warning about the consequences of rejecting God’s truth. Important Context - Why is this happening now? The verse is often interpreted as referring to the period leading up to the Babylonian exile in 586 BCE. It describes a situation where the Israelites had become so deeply entrenched in their own ways that they refused to acknowledge or accept God’s law, which ultimately led to their separation from him and their eventual destruction. In short: Isaiah 30:9 warns of a future time when Israel will be completely disconnected from God because they refuse to listen to his message. It's a dramatic prediction about the consequences of rejecting divine guidance. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how this prophecy has been interpreted throughout history? Discuss a specific aspect of the verse (like its imagery or symbolism)?