Definition: But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Proverbs 19:17. It's a really important message about justice and God’s plan for His people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about God’s intention to protect and restore His chosen people, specifically the Israelites (often referred to as “Jacob” – which is a Hebrew name for Israel). It’s saying that God intends to deliver them from harm and restore them to their rightful place. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance…” - This refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, which was the center of Jewish worship and a symbol of God's presence. "Mount Zion" is a very important place for them. It means God intends to protect His people from evil and disaster. "...and there shall be holiness..." - This is key! "Holiness" here doesn’t mean just being clean, but it refers to being righteous, pure, and dedicated to God. It suggests a state of being that is set apart for God's purposes. “And the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.” - This speaks about the Israelites after they are freed from oppression and danger. “The house of Jacob” – which is the name of the tribe of Israel – refers to their nation. "Possess their possessions" means they will have a secure, prosperous, and fulfilling life. So, what’s the big takeaway? It's saying that God intends to actively punish those who disobey Him and cause harm to His people. But He also intends to restore them to righteousness and prosperity . It's a promise of protection and a reward for faithfulness! Think of it like this: Imagine someone stealing from you. God’s word says, “Even though they do it, God will protect you and make everything right.” In short, the verse is a message of hope – that God is working to defend His people and ultimately restore them to their rightful place in His kingdom. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Give you an example of how this verse applies to modern life?