Definition: I have even from the beginning declared [it] to thee; before it came to pass I shewed [it] thee: lest thou shouldest say, Mine idol hath done them, and my graven image, and my molten image, hath commanded them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 48:5. It's a really interesting passage about God’s relationship with humanity and the importance of understanding His will. Here’s a simplified explanation: Core Idea: This verse is saying that God has been telling us everything He intends for our lives since the beginning, even before we could fully understand it ourselves. It’s like He's gently guiding us with His plans. Let's unpack it word-by-word (roughly): "I have even from the beginning declared [it] to thee..." : This is God saying something clearly and beforehand . It’s not a sudden revelation; He's been revealing things to us since the start. "...before it came to pass I shewed [it] thee..." : This is a key part. "Shewed" means revealed or demonstrated. God was showing us something that would happen in the future. “lest thou shouldest say, Mine idol hath done them…” : This is where it gets deeper. “Mine idol” is a tricky word. It likely refers to God himself . It’s saying that God, as He was acting, could do things that would be seen as evil or harmful – things that would cause people to worship something else. "...and my graven image, and my molten image, hath commanded them.” : This is the most challenging part to interpret. "Graven image" means a symbol, a representation of something sacred. “Molten image” suggests something created with fire or heat – perhaps a divine being or figure. “Commanded them” means God told us to do these things, and that he wanted them to happen. So, what's the big takeaway? God is showing us His plan for humanity from the very beginning. He’s not just passively doing things; He’s actively guiding us, even before we understand all the details. It emphasizes God’s sovereignty – that He knows best and will bring about what He has planned. It's a reminder of His perfect and purposeful design for our lives. In essence, it’s saying: “God has a clear plan for us, and He's constantly revealing it to us.” --- To help me explain this verse even better for you , could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand about this passage? (Are you curious about its meaning, its context, or something else?)