Definition: In mine ears [said] the LORD of hosts, Of a truth many houses shall be desolate, [even] great and fair, without inhabitant.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Isaiah 5:9. It’s a pretty poetic and thought-provoking verse from the Old Testament. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse speaks about the future – it describes a time when many places will be empty and full of beauty, but without people living there. It’s a bit dramatic, suggesting a significant loss or emptiness. Let's unpack it word by word: “Isaiah 5:9” : This is the name of the passage – it’s from the Book of Isaiah in the Old Testament. “In mine ears [said] the LORD of hosts…” : This is a very formal way of saying "God spoke to me." It emphasizes that this isn't just someone telling us; it was God himself directly addressing him. “…Of a truth many houses shall be desolate…” : This is the key part. “Houses” here refers to communities , or places where people live and build homes. “Desolate” means empty, abandoned, and without inhabitants. “[Even] great and fair, without inhabitant.” : This emphasizes the level of desolation. "Great and fair" suggests a beautiful and prosperous situation – it’s not just empty; it's full of potential. But “without inhabitant” is the crucial part - there are no people living there. What does this mean in a broader sense? Many translations interpret this verse as a prophecy about the end times, specifically regarding: The rise of religious extremism: Some believe it speaks to the eventual decline of faith and the potential for widespread societal breakdown due to radical or destructive ideologies. A time of spiritual emptiness: It can also be seen as a warning about a lack of genuine connection with God and a loss of community. Important Note: It's important to remember that this is a prophecy . Prophecies are essentially predictions based on what’s believed to be true at the time they were written. It doesn't guarantee a specific event, but rather offers a glimpse into what could happen in the future. In short, Isaiah 5:9 describes a future where many places become empty and beautiful, but without people to fill them. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with a specific example? Talk about its historical context (when was it written)? Discuss different interpretations of the verse?