Definition: For thus saith the Lord GOD, My people went down aforetime into Egypt to sojourn there; and the Assyrian oppressed them without cause.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 52:4. It’s a pretty powerful message about hope and protection. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God has a plan for people who are suffering or facing hardship. He's sending them to a place called "Egypt" – think of it as a land of great power and oppression. Let’s unpack the details: “For thus saith the Lord GOD…” : This is a formal introduction from God speaking directly to us. “…My people went down aforetime into Egypt…” : This refers to a time in the past, long ago. It's about a group of people (likely Jewish people) who were experiencing something difficult. “…to sojourn there” : They were visiting or staying briefly in Egypt – a land known for its strong rulers and powerful armies. “And the Assyrian oppressed them without cause.” : This is the crucial part. The Assyrians were a powerful empire that ruled over a huge area, including parts of modern-day Israel and Palestine. They were often harsh and didn't always have a good reason for their actions. They were oppressing (meaning causing harm or suffering) these people without any clear or justifiable reason. So, what’s the big takeaway? Isaiah 52:4 is essentially saying that God has a plan to protect his people from being harmed by an oppressive force – the Assyrians. It's a message of hope because it suggests that God is working behind the scenes to ensure their safety and well-being, even when things seem bleak. In essence, it’s a story about divine protection and a promise of future deliverance. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Connect it to a particular historical event or figure in the Bible? Discuss its meaning within a broader context of the Old Testament?