Definition: Thou hast shewed thy people hard things: thou hast made us to drink the wine of astonishment.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Psalm 60:3. It's a really powerful and slightly unsettling one. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is talking about a time when God has shown humanity immense hardship and suffering. It’s not just normal sadness; it’s a deep, painful experience that feels like being overwhelmed. Let's unpack the parts: “Thou hast shewed thy people hard things” : This means God has dealt a lot of difficult situations to us – challenges, loss, pain, and disappointment. It’s not just about minor inconveniences; it’s about things that feel like they are actively trying to break us. “Thou hast made us to drink the wine of astonishment” : This is the really interesting part. "Wine" in this context isn't a literal drink. It represents the overwhelming feeling of astonishment and disbelief when we realize how much suffering exists in the world. It’s like being stunned into silence by something truly terrible. It’s a feeling that challenges our understanding of good and right. So, what does it mean practically? The verse suggests that God has experienced hardship with us, and that this experience has caused us to feel deeply surprised and bewildered. It implies that we've been exposed to the reality of suffering in a way that feels almost unbelievable. Important Note: It’s important to remember that this isn’t about God being angry with us. Instead, it speaks to our capacity to be overwhelmed by the world's problems and the pain that exists. It also points to our need for grace and healing. --- Beyond the Literal – Some Possible Interpretations: The Weight of History: Some believe this verse reflects humanity’s long history of conflict, injustice, and suffering. A Call to Hope: It can be seen as a reminder that God is not indifferent to our pain, but rather offers comfort and hope through His love and plan. Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific theme or story in the Bible?