What is the definition of Isaiah 57:11?

And of whom hast thou been afraid or feared, that thou hast lied, and hast not remembered me, nor laid [it] to thy heart? have not I held my peace even of old, and thou fearest me not?

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Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly powerful verse from Isaiah 57:11. It's a really profound statement about God’s perspective on humanity. Here’s a simple explanation:
The Core Idea:
This verse is essentially saying, “God has been watching over us and hasn’t ever judged us, even when we’ve lied or disobeyed Him.” It expresses a sense of divine patience and protection.
Let's unpack it piece by piece:
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“And of whom hast thou been afraid…?”
– This is the key question. It means God has observed humanity for a long time, not just now, but throughout history. He’s been aware of our actions, both good and bad. 💎
"...that thou hast lied, and hast not remembered me..."
- This speaks to deception. It's about times when we have tried to hide from God or deceive others. It implies a deliberate attempt to avoid acknowledging His presence or guidance. 💎
"...nor laid [it] to thy heart?"
– This is a crucial part. "Lay it to your heart" means to deliberately conceal something, to be ashamed of it, or to not acknowledge it. The verb “laid” here suggests a conscious choice to avoid acknowledging God’s presence in our lives. 💎
“have not I held my peace even of old…”
– This is where the story gets really significant. It means God has been patiently waiting and observing, always maintaining a sense of peacefulness and trust. He's not rushed or demanding. 💎
"...and thou fearest me not?"
- This is the final, most impactful part. It’s a statement of divine protection – God isn’t fearful of us because we're flawed, but rather, He’s protected us from ourselves and our choices.
What it Means on a Deeper Level:
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God’s Patience:
The verse highlights God's immense patience. He doesn't get angry or frustrated easily. 💎
Divine Protection:
It suggests that God isn’t just passively watching; He actively protects us from our own mistakes and desires to be free from our deceit. 💎
A Reminder of Our Responsibility:
It also serves as a reminder to ourselves – to be honest, to take responsibility for our choices, and to seek God's guidance rather than relying on self-deception.
In short, this verse is a powerful message about God’s unwavering presence and protection, even when we struggle with our own flaws.
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Would you like me to:
💎 Explain this verse in more detail? 💎 Connect it to a specific story or example from the Bible?