Definition: And forgettest the LORD thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where [is] the fury of the oppressor?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really powerful and somewhat mysterious passage from Isaiah, and it’s packed with meaning. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially asking a question about the actions of a terrible oppressor – someone who relentlessly destroys people and threatens their lives. It's looking for why this person is so determined to harm others. Let’s unpack it word by word: “Isaiah 51:13” : This identifies the verse as coming from the Book of Isaiah, a book in the Old Testament of the Bible. “And forgettest the LORD thy maker…” : This is the core of the question. "Forgettest" means to completely ignore or abandon something important. “Thy maker” refers to God. So, it's saying that this person has abandoned worshipping and obeying God. They’ve stopped recognizing and respecting Him as the creator of everything. “…that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth…” : This is a big, sweeping statement about God’s power and creation. “Stretched forth the heavens” means He created all things – the sky, the stars, the sun, and everything else. “Lay the foundations of the earth” means He established and built everything that exists - the ground beneath our feet, mountains, oceans, and even ourselves. It’s a huge indication of God's absolute authority and control. “…and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor…” : This is where it gets really poignant. “Hast feared” means he has been constantly worried and anxious about the consequences of his actions. "Frequently" highlights the relentless nature of this fear. It’s not just a fleeting worry, but a constant state of apprehension. “as if he were ready to destroy?” : This is a crucial part. It's asking: why is he so afraid? The verse goes on to say “as if he were ready to destroy.” This implies that his actions are threatening and potentially causing harm. What does it mean, overall? The verse paints a picture of a truly terrifying situation – someone who actively seeks destruction and doesn’t recognize the consequences of their actions. It suggests a deep moral failing and a disregard for God's plan. It implies that this person is acting out of a sense of power or entitlement, rather than genuine concern for others. The Significance & Interpretation: God’s Justice: The verse often speaks to God's justice and the need for those who harm others to be held accountable. Warning to the People: It’s a warning to the people of Israel – reminding them to always remember and honor their God, to avoid abandoning worship, and to be vigilant against evil. A Call to Repentance: The verse can be interpreted as a call for repentance – acknowledging that we too have fallen away from our relationship with God and need to turn back. In short, the verse is a lament about a person who has abandoned their connection with God and is actively causing harm. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Explore its historical context? Connect it to other Bible stories?