Definition: Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation [is] near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this incredibly important verse from Isaiah 56:1. It’s a powerful message about God’s care for us and our relationship with Him. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Essentially, the verse is saying: “God is watching over you and is very concerned about your life. He wants to help you, and He's ready to show you His goodness and rightness.” Let’s unpack that a little further: “Thus saith the LORD…” : This is just an Old Testament way of saying “God speaks.” It’s a formal declaration. “…Keep ye judgment, and do justice:” This means God expects us to act fairly and honestly in everything we do – both good and bad. He wants to hold people accountable for their actions. "Justice" here refers to fairness and righteousness, meaning doing what's right. “For my salvation [is] near to come…” : This is the big part! “Salvation” means being saved from sin or trouble. The verse says that God’s saving grace (His help and mercy) will arrive soon – it’s not a distant future, but something happening now . “…and my righteousness to be revealed.” : This means God is working to show His perfect character and how He will treat us. He's revealing His goodness and truth to us through His actions and judgment. It suggests that even though we make mistakes, God’s love and justice will ultimately prevail. In a nutshell: God is actively involved in our lives, protecting us, and showing His goodness. He's coming to judge us fairly, but He’s also working to reveal His perfect and loving character to us. Why is this important? This verse encourages us to live a life of integrity and responsibility – to act with honesty and care for others. It reminds us that God is involved in our lives and that there's hope for redemption and a better future. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Give you some examples of how this verse applies to everyday life?

Definition: His watchmen [are] blind: they are all ignorant, they [are] all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Isaiah 56:10. It’s a really interesting and somewhat poetic description of how we often miss what God is trying to communicate. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that people, especially those who are focused on themselves or their own things, are completely missing out on God's presence and guidance. It’s like they’re asleep, complacent, and unable to recognize God’s message. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “His watchmen” : This refers to people who are focused on their own lives, worries, or distractions – like scrolling through social media, working hard, or being preoccupied with things that aren't truly important. “Are blind” : This is the core of the message. People aren’t seeing what God wants them to see. They’re not open to understanding His truth. “They are all ignorant” : This means they lack knowledge and understanding. It’s a state of being unaware of something important. “They are all dumb dogs” : This is a figurative way of saying they're lazy, unthinking, and incapable of meaningful action or reflection. They’re not thinking deeply or actively seeking God. “They cannot bark” : This is the most striking part. It suggests that their lack of awareness prevents them from speaking – from expressing their relationship with God, from recognizing His truth, or from following His instructions. The Overall Meaning: Isaiah 56:10 warns us about a state of spiritual blindness and complacency. It’s suggesting that we need to be more aware of God and his ways in our lives. We must actively seek to understand Him and live according to His will, rather than just drifting along. It's a call to repentance – to wake up and look at the world with renewed eyes. Why is this important? This verse speaks to the importance of: Prayer: We need to be open to hearing God’s voice through prayer. Reflection: Taking time for quiet contemplation and thinking about our lives. Humility: Recognizing that we are not always right and that God is in control. In short, it’s a powerful warning about the dangers of spiritual blindness and an invitation to seek God's guidance. --- Do you want me to elaborate on any part of this explanation? For example, would you like to know: What the context of this verse is within the larger book of Isaiah? How it relates to other biblical passages?

Definition: Yea, [they are] greedy dogs [which] can never have enough, and they [are] shepherds [that] cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 56:11. It's a pretty powerful and somewhat unsettling image. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes people who are obsessed with their own things – they’re so focused on accumulating wealth and possessions that they become isolated, self-centered, and ultimately unable to help others. It’s like a predator constantly hunting for its own prey. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Isaiah 56:11" : This is a passage from the Old Testament Book of Isaiah. It's a significant part of the book that speaks about God’s judgment on Israel and their future. “Yea, [they are] greedy dogs” : This phrase highlights the nature of these people – they are inherently selfish and driven by greed. "Dogs" is a metaphor; it suggests they are restless, always looking for something more. “[which] can never have enough” : This speaks to an insatiable desire for more. They don't find satisfaction in what they already have, they constantly crave more. “and they [are] shepherds [that] cannot understand” : This is the key part! "Shepherds" are responsible for caring for and protecting their flock – meaning they look after others. Here, the “shepherds” are completely focused on their own needs and gain, not on the well-being of others. They don't have a moral compass or concern for anyone else’s happiness. “they all look to their own way, every one for his gain” : This is the core problem. They are obsessed with personal benefit – they’re constantly thinking about how they can get something – and it's not for a good reason. They see everyone else as an obstacle or someone who will stand in the way of their own desires. “from his quarter” : This is a crucial detail. "Quarter" refers to a small, often unnoticed amount – like a single coin, a piece of land, or a fraction of something valuable. It emphasizes that this greed isn't about vast riches; it’s about accumulating small amounts repeatedly, always focused on personal gain. Overall Meaning: The verse warns against a spiritual condition where people become consumed by materialism and self-interest to the point they lose their empathy and compassion for others. It suggests that this kind of focus on oneself can lead to isolation and ultimately, a lack of genuine connection with humanity. Why is it important? This imagery resonates with many modern concerns about greed, social inequality, and the pursuit of wealth at all costs. It's a reminder that true fulfillment comes not from material possessions but from relationships, service, and a sense of purpose beyond ourselves. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail with examples? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme? Discuss how this concept relates to modern society?

Definition: Come ye, [say they], I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, [and] much more abundant.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that Bible verse together. It’s a pretty poetic and symbolic passage from Isaiah 56:12. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about celebrating God's blessings and anticipating something wonderful to come. It's essentially saying, "We should be grateful for what God has given us right now and look forward to even greater things." Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Come ye, [say they]” : This is a call to action – “Come, let’s join in!” It's inviting people to participate in something joyous. “I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink” : This refers to celebrating and enjoying life. "Wine" often symbolizes joy, celebration, and pleasure. The idea is that they should savor this time of abundance. “And to morrow shall be as this day, [and] much more abundant.” : This is the key part! “Tomorrow” refers to a future event – likely a new day. The phrase "as this day, and much more abundant" means that the future will be even better than today. It’s an expression of hope and anticipating a great reward or blessing. Overall Meaning: The verse is expressing a sense of optimism and anticipation about a good future. It's a reminder to appreciate God's blessings and look forward to something better, both now and in the coming days. It’s a message of celebration and looking forward with hope. Think of it like this: It’s a beautiful invitation to enjoy the present moment while recognizing that even greater things are yet to come. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of the passage (when was it written, what was happening at the time)?