Definition: They are created now, and not from the beginning; even before the day when thou heardest them not; lest thou shouldest say, Behold, I knew them.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful and slightly mysterious passage from Isaiah 48:7. It’s a really thought-provoking verse that speaks to God’s relationship with humanity and the nature of creation. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God already knows everything about us – our hopes, our dreams, our plans – even before we realize them ourselves. It’s like He has a perfect picture of who we are and what we’re going to do. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “They are created now…” : This refers to the creation of humanity – that is, our existence as individuals. God started creating us right now . “…and not from the beginning” : This emphasizes that this isn’t a past event; we're here, experiencing life, now . “even before the day when thou heardest them not” : This is the crucial part. It means God knew us before we even started to hear about us – before we were born or even fully formed. It’s a timeless knowledge. “lest thou shouldest say, Behold, I knew them.” - This is the key to understanding the significance. "Behold" is a Greek word meaning "let it be." It's a gentle reminder that God already knows our thoughts and intentions. What does this mean practically? It suggests: God’s Watchful Eye: He’s always watching over us, seeing our potential and our struggles. Our Responsibility: Because he knows us so well, we have a responsibility to use our time wisely – to live in a way that aligns with His plan for us. A Sense of Mystery: It also hints at a deeper mystery about the human spirit – that God has a complete understanding of us, even when we don’t fully understand ourselves. In short, the verse is a profound statement about God's eternal knowledge and our temporary existence. How does this relate to our lives? It can be a reminder to: Be present: Don't waste time on things that don’t matter. Live with purpose: Use your time wisely, knowing that God has a plan for you. Trust in God’s guidance: He knows what is best for us, even if we can't see it. Do you want me to explain any of these points further or perhaps relate this verse to a specific situation? For example, are you wondering about its meaning in the context of our free will? Let me know!