Definition: Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the LORD the cup of his fury; thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling, [and] wrung [them] out.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 51:17. It's a really powerful and complex passage, but we can understand its meaning in simpler terms. Here’s what it says, broken down: “Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the LORD the cup of his fury; thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling…” Let's translate that a little: “Awake, awake” : This is urging someone to wake up and realize something important. It’s like saying "Listen closely!" or “Pay attention!” “Stand up” : This means to get up and acknowledge a problem or situation. “O Jerusalem” : This refers to the city of Jerusalem, which is a significant place in Jewish tradition. It's calling it out. “Which hast drunk at the hand of the LORD the cup of his fury” : This is the core of the verse. "Drunk" means to overindulge, to become overwhelmed, or to be consumed by something negative. “The cup of his fury” refers to God's anger and punishment. It’s like a very intense, bitter cup filled with something unpleasant. “Thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling…” : This is where it gets even more poetic. "Dregs" means the bottom or leftovers – the remnants after you've poured everything out. “Trembling” suggests anxiety, fear, or distress. So, this part describes a state of being consumed by worry and pain. It’s like pouring a lot of negative emotions into something that’s not meant to be held. Putting it all together – the overall message: Isaiah 51:17 is saying that Jerusalem (and perhaps all people) has been consumed by excessive fear, anxiety, and worry. They've let their worries and anxieties overwhelm them, like pouring a bitter liquid into something precious. It’s a warning about the dangers of being consumed by negativity. What does this mean practically? This verse speaks to a time of great hardship and potential for despair. It suggests that if we aren't careful, our worries can become overwhelming and destructive. It encourages us to: Take control of our thoughts: Don’t let fear dictate your actions. Seek strength and comfort in God: God is the ultimate source of peace and protection. Focus on hope and trust: Believe that things will eventually be better. In short, it's a call to be mindful of our worries and to turn to God for guidance and solace. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or example? Discuss its significance within the context of Jewish tradition?