Definition: Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold: all these gather themselves together, [and] come to thee. [As] I live, saith the LORD, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them [on thee], as a bride [doeth].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful and evocative verse from Isaiah 49:18. It’s a really powerful image! Here's my explanation in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse speaks about God’s plan for His chosen people – the Israelites – and how they will be united with Him in a special way. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Isaiah 49:18” : This is a passage from the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Isaiah. It's a significant section about God’s relationship with His people. “Lift up thine eyes round about…” : This means to look around and see. It's an invitation to notice everything. “…and behold: all these gather themselves together…” : This is the key part! "All these" refers to everything – the Israelites, the people of Israel, and even those who are not Jewish. It’s a collective gathering. “[and] come to thee.” : This emphasizes that they're coming to God. It's a deliberate movement towards Him. “[As] I live, saith the LORD…” : This is where it gets really significant. The Lord (God) is proclaiming that He will be involved in this gathering. He’s making a promise. “thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them [on thee]…” : This is the most poetic part. It suggests that God will adorn and tie everyone together – literally and figuratively. Think of it like a beautiful crown or a special garment. "Bind them" implies a strong connection and a feeling of being cherished. “as a bride doeth” : This is the final, striking image. The comparison to a bride is incredibly powerful. A bride is adorned with jewels, flowers, and a beautiful dress – she’s valued and cherished. This suggests that God will treat His people with special care, honor, and affection just as a bride cares for her husband. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: The verse paints a picture of God's ultimate plan to bring His people together in a way that emphasizes their importance and connection to Him. It’s not just about physical union; it’s about spiritual unity and being valued by God. It communicates a sense of belonging, adoration, and a future where God will be intimately involved in the lives of His people. In short, it's a beautiful declaration that God is actively working to bring His people together with Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Provide a different metaphor or analogy? Discuss its significance in the context of the Old Testament?