👉 It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation: neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there; neither shall the shepherds make their fold there.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Isaiah 13:20. This verse is a really powerful and somewhat unsettling one in the Bible. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: It says that a specific area – likely the region of Israel – will never be inhabited or settled by anyone. It’s essentially a declaration of complete isolation and abandonment. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “It shall never be inhabited…” : This means the land itself won't ever be used for living, farming, or any kind of settlement. “…neither shall it be dwelt in…” : This is a bit more dramatic. It suggests that the area will simply not exist as a place to live. There’s no human presence there. “…from generation to generation…” : This emphasizes the permanence of the isolation. It's not just about a temporary absence; it’s a state that will last forever, across all time. “…neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there…” : This refers to the Arab tribes who were traditionally settled in the area. They wouldn’t be able to make camp or live there. “…nor shall the shepherds make their fold there.” : This speaks to the sheep herding – the shepherds would not have a place to tend their flocks. What does it mean practically? Isaiah 13:20 is often interpreted as a prophecy of God's judgment on Israel’s sins and rebellion. It suggests that God will ultimately punish them for their wickedness, leading to complete isolation and abandonment. It’s a strong statement about the consequence of evil. Important Note: This verse is often debated among scholars. There are different interpretations of what it really means – some believe it’s a literal prophecy of destruction, while others see it as a metaphor for spiritual isolation and judgment. --- Do you want to explore any aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, we could: Discuss its historical context (when was it written?) Explore the different interpretations of the prophecy? Talk about the symbolism behind the imagery used?