Definition: And they shall pass through it, hardly bestead and hungry: and it shall come to pass, that when they shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves, and curse their king and their God, and look upward.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Isaiah 8:21. It’s a really powerful and evocative prophecy about a time of great hardship and upheaval. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse speaks about a period where people will experience extreme suffering and anger because of a ruler (the King) who is unjust or oppressive. Let's unpack the parts: “And they shall pass through it…” – This suggests a significant, perhaps prolonged, period of difficulty. It’s not just a single moment; it’s a long time filled with challenges. “…hardly bestead and hungry:” - "Bestead" means to starve or be nearly dead. So this part says that people will face extreme hunger and lack of food. They’ll be in a desperate state, barely surviving. “And it shall come to pass…” – This is the key part – it's a prophecy, meaning something will happen . This isn't just about the present; this is about a future event. “…that when they shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves:” - This means that people will become extremely anxious and worried because they are struggling to find food. They’ll feel overwhelmed by their problems. “and curse their king and their God:” – This is a crucial part. It suggests that the people will start to resent the ruler who has caused them so much suffering. They will feel angry at the king, and perhaps even at God (the divine power), for not helping or protecting them. “and look upward:” - This implies that when they are feeling this intense frustration and anger, they’ll turn their gaze upwards – towards the heavens, towards a higher power, or towards something beyond themselves. It suggests a sense of hopelessness and a longing for something better. Overall Meaning & Significance: Isaiah 8:21 is a warning about potential instability and rebellion. It's suggesting that the current ruler might be leading the people down a path of injustice and conflict. The verse emphasizes the importance of resisting oppression and seeking justice – it’s a call to hope for a better future where those who are suffering are not driven by anger and resentment. Think of it like this: It's saying, "The situation is ripe for trouble. People will become very unhappy and angry because of what's happening." Important Note: This is a complex verse, and its meaning has been debated throughout history. Different interpretations exist. However, the core message – that suffering can be a catalyst for change – remains consistent. --- Would you like me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the context of Isaiah 8 in more detail?