Definition: O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this beautiful and profound verse from Isaiah 48:18. It’s really about listening to God and living a life that pleases Him. Here’s a simple explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is essentially saying, “If you had listened to what I told you, you would have lived a peaceful and righteous life.” It's a plea for someone to listen to guidance and follow God’s instructions. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments!” – This is the core of the message. "Commandments" means rules, laws, or guidelines given by God. It's like a set of instructions. “…then had thy peace been as a river…” – A river flows steadily and calmly. Peace, in this context, is described as being like a gentle, steady flow of water. "...and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:" – Waves are powerful and dynamic. Righteousness means living a moral and just life. The waves represent something that moves freely and powerfully, reflecting God’s goodness and justice. Putting it all together: The verse is painting a picture of a life lived in harmony with God's will. It suggests that true peace isn't found in fleeting moments or emotional highs, but in a consistent, enduring state of rightness – like a constant flow of peacefulness symbolized by a river and righteous living represented by the waves. Overall Meaning: It’s a powerful message about the importance of obedience and aligning your life with God's guidance. It encourages us to listen to His voice and live a life that reflects His goodness, leading to lasting peace and righteousness. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this passage in a specific context (like its connection to suffering or redemption)?