Definition: A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in his time.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful and powerful verse from Isaiah 60:22. It's a really profound statement about God’s plan and timing. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that God has a specific plan for something – perhaps for a nation, or for a particular person – and He intends to bring it to fruition quickly , but not without His guidance and control. It's about a gradual, orchestrated process with a divine hand at the helm. Let’s unpack each part: “A little one shall become a thousand…” This is a dramatic image. "Little" refers to a small beginning, while "a thousand" represents a huge number – a massive and significant achievement. It suggests that even something seemingly insignificant can grow into something incredibly large and important. Think of a single seed growing into a mighty tree. "...and a small one a strong nation:" This emphasizes the growth and development of something. A "small one" signifies starting with something modest, while “a strong nation” implies a flourishing and powerful community or people. “I the LORD will hasten it in his time.” This is the most important part. It’s saying that God knows exactly when this will happen. He has a specific timetable, a "time" for this to unfold, and He's actively working toward it. The word “hasten” means to speed up or accelerate something. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: This verse is about God’s sovereignty and His purposeful timing. It suggests that God isn’t just passively doing things; He's actively guiding the process, and He's willing to bring this outcome quickly, but always within His plan. It speaks to themes of: Divine Providence: God orchestrating events for the best possible outcome. Time & Patience: God doesn’t rush things; He works at his own pace, with a definite goal in mind. Ultimate Victory: The verse implies that this significant event will ultimately lead to a glorious and fulfilling result – a flourishing nation or a powerful community under God's guidance. In essence, it's a reassurance that God is working for good, and His plan is unfolding according to His timing. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical context (like the story of Israel)? Discuss what this verse might mean for us today ?