Definition: O LORD, why hast thou made us to err from thy ways, [and] hardened our heart from thy fear? Return for thy servantsâ sake, the tribes of thine inheritance.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse together. It’s a really powerful and important part of the Bible, and it speaks about God's relationship with humanity. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God feels sadness and disappointment when people stray from following Him and are stubborn and unwilling to listen to His guidance. He wants to help them get back on track. Let’s look at it word-by-word: “Isaiah 63:17” : This refers to a prophecy written by the prophet Isaiah in ancient Jewish history. It’s a message about God's future actions. “O LORD, why hast thou made us to err from thy ways…” : This is a question from God. He’s asking why we’ve strayed away from following His plan and principles. “Err” means to go wrong or astray. “…and hardened our heart from thy fear?” : This is where it gets more profound. "Hardened our heart" means that we've become resistant to His guidance, like a stone that’s difficult to move. “From thy fear” refers to the fear He has for us – a fear of what might happen if we don’t listen to Him. “Return for thy servantsâ sake, the tribes of thine inheritance.” : This is the promise part. God says he will return to help those who are struggling and isn’t giving up on them. “Tribes of thine inheritance” means His people – specifically, the Jewish people as described in the Old Testament. He wants to help restore their connection with Him and their heritage. In simpler terms: God is sad that we've made mistakes and are resisting His guidance. He’s offering a chance for us to turn back and find our way back to Him, especially for those who need his help. It’s a message of hope – God wants to be with us and help us get back on the right path. Why is this important? This verse is often seen as a reminder that we all make mistakes. It's a call to humility – to recognize that we don’t always understand things completely, and that it’s okay to ask for guidance from God. It emphasizes trust in God and his plan for us. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to a specific story or event in the Bible? Discuss what it might mean for you personally?