Definition: And your spoil shall be gathered [like] the gathering of the caterpiller: as the running to and fro of locusts shall he run upon them.
Explanation: Okay, letās break down this beautiful and somewhat poetic passage from Isaiah 33:4. It's a really rich metaphor! Hereās what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is about peace and security , but not the kind you might expect. Itās talking about a time when things are quiet and stable . Let's unpack it piece by piece: āYour spoil shall be gatheredā¦ā : "Spoil" in this context isnāt really about something bad or destructive. It means āa good thingā ā like a prosperous, flourishing life, or a successful journey. It suggests something that is good and moving forward. āā¦like the gathering of the caterpillerā¦ā : This is where it gets interesting! A caterpillers is a little insect that moves quickly from place to place, often following a path. Itās constantly on the move. "...as the running to and fro of locusts shall he run upon them." : Locusts are massive swarms of locusts ā incredibly destructive insects that swarm and eat everything in their path. This is the result of this āgathering.ā It means, "He will be safe and protected from harm because heās moving steadily and purposefully." So, what does it all mean? Isaiah 33:4 speaks to a time when God is working behind the scenes to protect us. It suggests that God is guiding our lives in a way that leads to peace, stability, and safety ā just like a carefully managed and moving swarm of locusts. It's about a time of quiet reassurance and trust. In essence, itās a promise of protection and security for those who are trusted by God. Important Note: This is a very symbolic verse. It doesnāt mean literal locusts will be gathered. Itās a powerful image representing God's care and protection. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Isaiah 33? Discuss the meaning in a different context (e.g., relating it to a specific situation)?