Definition: And he hath cast the lot for them, and his hand hath divided it unto them by line: they shall possess it for ever, from generation to generation shall they dwell therein.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly rich and somewhat mysterious verse from Isaiah 34:17. It’s a really interesting passage about God's plan for the future. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Essentially, this verse says that God is taking control of the future and assigning things to people. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And he hath cast the lot for them…” – This suggests that God has already decided who will get what. It's like a game being set in motion. “…and his hand hath divided it unto them…” – This is key! “His hand” refers to God’s power and authority. He’s dividing something up – a future, a situation, or perhaps even the very fabric of reality. “they shall possess it for ever…” – This is the most important part. "Forever" means it will last indefinitely. It's not just for a short time; it's going to continue as long as God wills. “from generation to generation shall they dwell therein.” - This is where it gets really profound. “From generation to generation” means that this inheritance, this future, will continue through all of history – across all ages and times. They will dwell within this future, living through it. What does this mean in a broader sense? Many people interpret this verse as referring to the rise and fall of nations or empires. It could be about: The end of earthly kingdoms: God is preparing a time when powerful human rulers will ultimately lose their power and be brought into an eternal state. The future of humanity: It speaks to the long-term destiny of humankind, where we’ll eventually be part of God's plan. Important Note: This is a complex verse with layers of meaning, and there are different interpretations among theologians and scholars. It’s often seen as a message of hope – that God's plans are secure and will ultimately lead to a glorious future for humanity. --- To help me explain it better for you , could you tell me: What specifically about this verse is confusing or intriguing to you? (e.g., the "hand" part, the "forever" part?)