Definition: Mine hand also hath laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand hath spanned the heavens: [when] I call unto them, they stand up together.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly beautiful and poetic passage from Isaiah 48:13. It's a really rich metaphor for God’s plan and purpose. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about God’s complete control over creation and the interconnectedness of everything. It suggests that God has already prepared everything – the earth, the heavens, and even all things – and is ready to work with his people. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Mine hand also hath laid the foundation of the earth..." - This isn’t just about building a house; it means God created everything that exists. He established the very structure of the universe. Think of it like planting a giant seed – he made the ground and then planted the first thing. "...and my right hand hath spanned the heavens:" - This is a really striking image. “Spanned” means to stretch out or cover something completely. God’s right hand, representing his power and authority, stretches out beyond the limits of anything we can imagine – the sky! It signifies that he has complete dominion over all things. "[when] I call unto them, they stand up together." - This is the key part. “Call” means to summon or invite something into existence. When God calls (or invites) his people, it’s like a powerful command, and they – his followers – rise up and join him in fulfilling his purpose. So, what does it all mean? It's essentially saying: God is the ultimate architect of everything. He’s not just creating things; he's actively orchestrating them to work together in a grand design. He’s prepared everything and then invites his people to participate in that preparation. Think of it like this: Imagine a potter shaping clay. The potter first creates the raw material (the earth). Then, when he calls for the clay to be shaped, it isn't just shaped by him; it’s assembled into something new and beautiful, with the help of the clay itself – a community of people working together toward a shared goal. Overall Significance: This verse highlights God’s sovereignty, his plan, and the importance of faith and partnership. It’s a powerful message about God's active role in our lives and in the world around us. --- Resources for Further Exploration: [Bible Gateway](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Isaiah/48:13) – This website allows you to read the verse in multiple translations and see how it’s used in various contexts. [Wikipedia - Isaiah 48:13](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah_48:13) – Provides a good overview of the verse’s meaning and historical context. Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you'd like me to answer? For example, would you like me to: Explain it in more detail about the imagery used? Connect it to a particular theme in the Bible (like faith, purpose, or creation)?