Definition: The LORD shall bring upon thee, and upon thy people, and upon thy father’s house, days that have not come, from the day that Ephraim departed from Judah; [even] the king of Assyria.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It's a really important and somewhat dramatic passage about impending disaster. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God is going to bring a period of great hardship and destruction upon Israel (the people of Judah) and the entire region around them. It’s predicting a time of intense trouble. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Isaiah 7:17” : This is where the verse comes from – it's a prophecy in the Old Testament, written by Isaiah. It’s a very significant message about God's plan. “The LORD shall bring upon thee, and upon thy people, and upon thy father’s house…” : This is the core of the warning. "LORD" means God. “Bring upon” means to punish or cause something terrible to happen. This isn’t just a random misfortune; it's a significant punishment. The verse uses the word “thou” (you) which points to Israel, and their future. “Days that have not come…” : This is the key part. It means this punishment won't be happening now . It’s a prophecy about a period of time – likely many years – before a very serious event unfolds. “…from the day that Ephraim departed from Judah” : Let’s break this down further: Ephraim: This refers to an ancient city in Israel, known for its wealth and power, and was once a significant center of worship. Departed from Judah: This means they left the area of spiritual guidance and covenant with God, moving away from a time of righteousness and faithfulness. “[Even] the king of Assyria” : This is where it gets really scary. “King of Assyria” was a powerful empire located in the East – a vast, brutal force that often practiced conquest and oppression. It’s saying that this Assyrian ruler will be involved in bringing about this disaster. So, what does all this mean? It suggests that God is going to unleash a devastating period of suffering on Israel because they strayed from the path of righteousness and began to become complacent. The Assyrian king is seen as a symbol of that destructive force – someone who will actively cause trouble and chaos. Overall, it’s a warning about the dangers of sin and the importance of staying faithful to God. It's a message about judgment and a call for repentance. Important Note: This verse is part of a larger story in the Old Testament that points towards a future time of great conflict between Israel and its enemies, particularly Assyria. --- Would you like me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to other Bible stories or themes? Discuss what it might mean for the future of Israel?