Definition: And all the people shall know, [even] Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria, that say in the pride and stoutness of heart,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful verse from Isaiah 9:9. It's a really poetic and important statement about the future. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that everyone – even people who are proud and boastful (like Ephraim and Samaria) – will eventually understand that God’s plan for them is good and right. Let's unpack the parts: “Isaiah 9:9” : This is a specific passage from the Old Testament Bible. “And all the people shall know…” : This means everyone will be aware of this truth. It’s not just a few people; it’s going to reach everyone. “[even] Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria” : This is where it gets interesting. "Ephraim" and "Samaria" are two ancient Jewish kingdoms in Palestine – they were known for being proud and sometimes defiant. The “even” emphasizes that both of these places are included in this understanding. “that say in the pride and stoutness of heart” : This is the key to understanding the whole meaning. "Pride and stoutness of heart" means being excessively confident, arrogant, or boastful. It suggests a feeling of superiority and maybe even a bit of stubbornness. So, putting it all together: The verse is saying that people who are overly proud and confident in themselves (like those kingdoms) will eventually realize that God’s plan for them – which is good and beneficial – is being honored. What does this mean practically? It suggests a time of repentance and humility, where people might start to see their own faults and shortcomings. It's about recognizing that true strength comes from serving God, not from boasting. In short, the verse speaks of a future understanding of God’s plan through those who are prone to pride. --- Would you like me to: Explain another part of Isaiah 9? Discuss the historical context of this verse? Explore its symbolic meaning in more detail?