Definition: 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, letās 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 ā likely the region of Israel ā will never be inhabited or settled by anyone. Itās essentially a declaration of complete isolation and abandonment. Letās unpack it piece by piece: āIt shall never be inhabitedā¦ā : This means the land itself won't ever be used for living, farming, or any kind of settlement. āā¦neither shall it be dwelt inā¦ā : This is a bit more dramatic. It suggests that the area will simply not exist as a place to live. Thereās no human presence there. āā¦from generation to generationā¦ā : This emphasizes the permanence of the isolation. It's not just about a temporary absence; itās a state that will last forever, across all time. āā¦neither shall the Arabian pitch tent thereā¦ā : This refers to the Arab tribes who were traditionally settled in the area. They wouldnāt be able to make camp or live there. āā¦nor shall the shepherds make their fold there.ā : This speaks to the sheep herding ā 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 Israelās sins and rebellion. It suggests that God will ultimately punish them for their wickedness, leading to complete isolation and abandonment. Itās 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 ā some believe itās 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?