Definition: Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate,

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Isaiah 6:11. It’s a really powerful and somewhat unsettling verse. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a time of great destruction and ruin – essentially, a complete loss of life, purpose, and comfort. It speaks about a world that's falling apart. Let’s unpack the parts: “Then said I, Lord…” - This is a declaration from someone who is experiencing or witnessing this impending disaster. It’s a moment of intense feeling and perhaps even urgency. “…how long?” - This highlights the severity of the situation – it's not just a little problem; something significant is happening. “And he answered…” - This is the key part. The "Lord" (in this context, God) isn’t simply saying “it will take a while.” He’s offering a specific timeframe for this destruction. “…until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate.” – This is the core of the warning: “Cities be wasted without inhabitant”: This means cities (and towns) will become empty and lifeless – no people living there. “The houses without man”: This refers to homes, buildings, and all places where people live. It signifies a complete absence of human presence. “The land be utterly desolate”: This is the most dramatic part. The land itself will become barren and lifeless – no crops, no animals, nothing – it'll be completely empty. What’s the message? This verse suggests that God is preparing for a time of great hardship and loss. It’s a warning about the potential for widespread destruction and emptiness. It speaks to themes of: Judgment: The verse often implies judgment from God, but it's not necessarily about punishment for us; it’s more about a restoration that will occur in the future when things are right. The End of Things: It suggests a fundamental change – the end of human life and the natural world. Important Note: It’s important to remember this verse is often interpreted as a vision or prophecy, not necessarily a literal prediction about the exact date of destruction. It's a message of hope and reassurance that God will ultimately restore everything. --- To help me explain it even better for you, could you tell me: What’s your current understanding of this verse? (Are you already familiar with its context?) What are you hoping to get out of this explanation? (Do you want a simpler analogy, or a deeper look at the meaning?)