Definition: And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou [art] my people.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful verse from Isaiah 51:16. It’s a really powerful and hopeful passage about God’s plan for the future. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Core Idea: This verse speaks of God's ultimate plan to build something amazing – a whole new world – and to bring people home to him. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And I have put my words in thy mouth…” - This means God is speaking directly to us, offering guidance and hope. It’s like a message from the divine. “…and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand…” – "Covered thee" suggests He's protecting or sheltering us. "Shadow of mine hand" is a really evocative image – it means He's gently guiding and supporting us, shielding us from harm. It’s like He’s holding us up. "...that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth…” - This refers to God creating the universe – the sky, the stars, everything! He's starting with a completely new beginning. “Planting” means establishing something new, like a seed growing into a tree. "...and say unto Zion, Thou [art] my people.” - This is the most important part. "Zion" refers to Jerusalem – the city of David and the Jewish people. “Thou art my people” is a direct declaration – God says, “You are my people.” It’s an invitation for us to become part of His community. Putting it all together: God is saying that He has given us words (his message) in our mouths. He's protecting and guiding us, and He intends to build a new world – the heavens – and establish a place for people to live – Zion. Ultimately, this verse suggests God wants us to be part of His community and have a special relationship with Him. What it means about the future: This verse is often interpreted as a promise of a glorious future where God will bring peace, justice, and restoration to the world. It’s a vision of a complete and perfect creation, guided by God's love and care for His people. --- Essentially, this verse expresses a belief in God's plan for a new beginning and a return to a righteous community. Do you want me to: Explain any particular part of the verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme?