Definition: Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I [am] a dry tree.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 56:3 together. It's a pretty poetic and symbolic passage about God’s care for those who are different or isolated. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God isn’t abandoning anyone, even someone who is different or doesn't follow Him as closely. Instead, He sees them as connected to Him and wants to keep them in His sight. It’s about a special relationship with God. Let’s look at the parts: “Neither let the son of the stranger…” : "Son of the stranger" is a tricky phrase. It doesn't mean a foreign person. Instead, it refers to someone from another nation or background – someone who isn’t part of the "family" of Israel (the Jewish people). “…that hath joined himself to the LORD…” : This means someone has chosen to follow God and trust in Him. They've made a covenant with Him, which is a special agreement. “Speak, saying…” : This is where it gets interesting. The person isn’t speaking out loud. They're whispering or silently praying. “…The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I [am] a dry tree.” This is the core of the message. Let’s break it down further: “utterly separated me from his people” : This means God has completely removed them from the community and fellowship of Israel. They're not just distant ; they’re no longer part of a group where they can receive blessings and support. “neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I [am] a dry tree.” : This is the most powerful part. It compares someone to a dry tree – lifeless, barren, and unable to provide anything. What does this all mean? The verse suggests that God has a special bond with those who are different or isolated. He sees them as valuable and worthy of His care. It’s about connection: It emphasizes the importance of having a relationship with God, even if it's not always obvious. It’s about grace: God offers grace – mercy and compassion – to those who are different. He doesn’t judge them harshly. It’s about hope: The verse suggests that God will continue to care for these people, even though they may feel isolated or alone. In short, this passage is a beautiful reminder of God's love and acceptance for everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Provide a simpler analogy to help illustrate the concept?