Definition: Behold, [is it] not of the LORD of hosts that the people shall labour in the very fire, and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this biblical passage. It's a really powerful and thought-provoking verse from Habakkuk, a prophet who lived during a time of great trouble and uncertainty in ancient Judah. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse is warning us about the potential for hardship and suffering to become overwhelming – even to the point of causing people to give up completely. It suggests that even when things seem difficult and painful, God is still in control and will ultimately be the one to bring about a solution. Let's unpack it word by word: “Habakkuk 2:13” : This identifies the verse as coming from the book of Habakkuk, a prophet known for challenging powerful rulers and asking difficult questions. “Behold…” : This is an introductory phrase – it’s drawing your attention to what's about to be said. It’s like a dramatic pause before a significant revelation. “not of the LORD of hosts that the people shall labour in the very fire, and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity?” This is the core of the message. Let’s break it down further: "not of the LORD of hosts…" : This immediately tells us this isn't about a simple human problem. It's not something that we can fix or overcome with our own strength. The "Lord" refers to God – He is the ultimate source of goodness and justice. “…the people shall labour in the very fire…” : This describes hardship, difficulty, and struggle. “Fire” represents pain, distress, trials, and even suffering. It’s about being pushed to their limits. "...and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity?” This is the key part. “Vanity” means a lack of true understanding or appreciation – a feeling of not being good enough, or that things aren't worth it. The verse suggests that when we’re pushed to our limits by hardship, we can lose sight of what truly matters and become discouraged and give up. It implies that the suffering might lead us to question God’s plan and purpose. So, What Does This Mean? It's a warning about the potential for spiritual exhaustion. When we experience significant hardship – whether it’s financial trouble, loss of loved ones, or overwhelming challenges – we need to remember that God is in control and will ultimately bring about a better outcome, even if it feels like it might not be possible right now. It's a reminder: To trust in God's plan: Even when things seem chaotic, we should have faith that He is working for our good. To stay strong in the face of adversity: Don’t give up easily. Keep going, even when it feels difficult. To not lose sight of what truly matters: When facing hardship, focus on the values and goals that are important to us – those that connect us to God and our purpose. In short, this verse is a gentle but powerful reminder that true strength comes from trusting in God's ultimate goodness and wisdom, even when we’re struggling. --- Would you like me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or example?