Definition: Therefore the Lord shall have no joy in their young men, neither shall have mercy on their fatherless and widows: for every one [is] an hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaketh folly. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand [is] stretched out still.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 9:17 together. It’s a really powerful and hopeful passage about God's plan for humanity. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Overall Meaning: This verse paints a picture of a time when God is deeply saddened by the suffering and injustice in the world, especially towards those who are alone and vulnerable. It suggests that God isn’t just concerned with individual people, but with the entire system – the world itself. Let's unpack it word-by-word: "Therefore the Lord shall have no joy in their young men..." - This is a really important point. It means that God doesn't rejoice or be happy when young men are struggling, being neglected, or facing hardship. It’s about a lack of happiness and fulfillment for those who are lacking support. "...neither shall have mercy on their fatherless and widows..." - This highlights the suffering of those who are orphaned or deserted – children without parents, and adults who are alone and without support. It speaks to a deep sense of pain and injustice. "For every one [is] an hypocrite and an evildoer..." - This is a crucial part. "Hypocrite" means someone who pretends to be something they're not – someone who acts in a way that doesn’t align with their true character or values. “Evildoer” means someone who does wrong and harms others. "...and every mouth speaketh folly." - This suggests a widespread problem of lies, gossip, and foolishness. People are often saying hurtful things and misleading each other. "For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand [is] stretched out still." – This is the most profound part. It means that God actively remains focused on these problems. It’s not just passively acknowledging them; God is actively working to address them, even when it seems like there's no progress. His "hand" represents his power and intention to correct things. Putting it all together – a simpler interpretation: God sees the world filled with selfishness, injustice, and foolishness. He feels deep sadness and pain at this state of affairs. But he doesn’t give up. He is determined to actively work to right these wrongs, even if it takes time, effort, and a persistent focus on those who are suffering. It's about restoring balance and making things better for those who need help. In essence, this verse speaks of a long-term process of healing and restoration – a promise that God will ultimately bring about a more just and compassionate world. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these concepts in more detail? Connect this verse to other parts of the Bible? Discuss what it might mean for our lives today?