Definition: And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 60:10. It’s a really powerful and thought-provoking message about God's relationship with humanity. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that God doesn’t just tolerate us; he actively cares for us, even when we make mistakes. He’s willing to forgive us, but he also has the power to punish us if we aren't faithful. It’s a balance of love and responsibility. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls…” : This refers to people from other countries or nations. "Sons of strangers" is a poetic way of saying “people who aren't part of our own group.” It suggests that we are seen as valuable and have potential, even if we don’t always act in the best way. "...and their kings shall minister unto thee:" : This means that people from other countries or nations will be involved in helping us – perhaps through trade, diplomacy, or simply offering support. “Kings” here refers to leaders and those in positions of power. “…for in my wrath I smote thee…” : This is the part where it gets a little intense. “Wrath” means God's anger. He could punish us harshly, like striking someone with a blow. "...but in my favour have I had mercy on thee.” : This is the crucial part! God isn’t just angry; he also has mercy – forgiveness and compassion. He wants to be kind and help us even when we're not perfect. So, what does it all mean? It essentially means that God loves us unconditionally, but he also expects us to be faithful and responsible. He’s willing to forgive our mistakes, but he’ll hold us accountable if we don’t strive to do good. It's a reminder that God sees us as valuable, even when we stumble. In a nutshell: God loves us deeply, but he doesn't just tolerate us; he wants to help us and forgive us when we make mistakes. Does this resonate with you? Would you like me to explain any of these concepts further, or perhaps explore how this verse applies to specific situations in your life? For example, are you grappling with a difficult decision, or struggling with forgiveness?