Definition: And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful and poetic verse from Isaiah 11:5. It's a really interesting metaphor! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it means that God’s presence will be perfectly intertwined with the person of those he blesses. Let's unpack it further: “Righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins”: This refers to a moral and ethical standard – something that guides and defines right behavior. Think of it as the foundation upon which everything else is built. It’s like a strong, reliable pattern. “Faithfulness the girdle of his reins”: This describes a person's inner strength, integrity, and control. It speaks to their ability to stay true to their word, be honest, and act with responsibility – just like a reins guide an animal’s movements. So, putting it all together: God’s perfect righteousness will be woven into his very being, and his unwavering faithfulness will be the core of his character. It suggests that when God blesses someone, they will live a life filled with moral goodness and steady integrity. Think of it like this: A beautiful, well-made garment (righteousness) is complete because its inner strength and stability are equally important (faithfulness). Important Note: This is a very symbolic image. It’s not meant to be taken literally about any single person. It's an expression of God's ultimate goodness and the perfect order he establishes in his world. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how this idea might be applied in real life?