Definition: But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: [men] shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 61:6. It's a really powerful message about God’s love and inclusion for everyone. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, the verse says that God is going to welcome and celebrate people from all over the world – especially those who live in the "Gentiles" (meaning non-Jews) – and they will be recognized as leaders and experts in serving God. Let's unpack it a little further: “But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD…” - This means that God is going to give people a special role and title. "Priest" historically meant someone who served God by performing rituals and offering sacrifices. Now, it’s about recognizing God as the ultimate authority and source of all things. “…[men] shall call you the Ministers of our God…” - This is a significant shift. "Ministers" means leaders or officials – people who are responsible for leading and serving. So, it's saying that God is choosing some people to be official servants of Him. “ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles…” - This is the really exciting part! “Gentiles” refers to people from other countries – Greeks, Romans, Jews, etc. – not Jewish people. The verse means that God will grant them access to the wealth and prosperity (riches) of these other nations. It’s like saying, "You'll have opportunities to build a good life and prosper in places where others don't." “and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.” - This is a hopeful part. It means that as people become successful and prosperous in these new lands, they will be able to proudly share their blessings and accomplishments with God – showing that they are living according to His will. In short, the verse paints a picture of God’s love extending beyond just Jewish people and offering a chance for everyone to experience a life filled with opportunity and prosperity. What does this mean for us ? It means that God wants us all to be part of something bigger than ourselves – a global community where we can contribute to God's plan. It’s about recognizing that we are called to serve Him, to share His blessings, and to live a life that reflects His glory. --- Important Note: This is a complex passage and there’s a lot of interpretation. Different people have different understandings of what "the Gentiles" mean and how it applies to our lives today. Would you like me to: Explain any part of the verse in more detail? Discuss its connection to other biblical passages?