Definition: O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and [things] wherein [there is] no profit.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really powerful and somewhat dramatic passage about God’s plan for humanity. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is telling us that He intends to bring people from every part of the world – all the nations – to Him, and they will be utterly amazed by His power and goodness. He sees that many people believe lies and foolishness, and he’s saying, “Even though they have been misled for a long time, God's message is clear: He wants them to come to Him .” Let’s unpack the parts: “O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction…” – This is a way of saying “God, I am strong, safe, and protected, especially when things are difficult." It's about confidence in God's presence during challenging times. “…the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth…” - "Gentiles" means people outside your own nation or culture. This is a huge statement – it means everyone, everywhere – will be drawn to God. “From the ends of the earth” implies vast distances and a global reach. "...and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and [things] wherein there is no profit.” - This is the most important part. "Our fathers..." – This refers to people who came before us – their ancestors. "...have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit." – This means they have been led astray by false beliefs and things that don’t bring true benefit or happiness. It suggests that these falsehoods are causing pain and suffering in the world. Overall Meaning: God is saying that He wants to restore humanity to a place of truth and righteousness, even when people are lost and misled. He's inviting everyone – all corners of the globe – to turn away from their false ways and come to Him as their Savior. It’s a message of hope for a future where true faith and understanding prevail. Why is this important? This verse is often interpreted as a call to repentance – a turning away from sin and embracing God's truth. It’s a reminder that God’s plan isn’t just about the Israelites in ancient Israel; it’s about the entire world, and He desires a global revival of faith. Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to other Bible stories or themes? Discuss what the meaning could be in different historical contexts?