Definition: The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, [so] shall it stand:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful and somewhat mysterious verse from Isaiah 14:24. It’s a really interesting one, and it speaks about God's ultimate power and plan. Here’s a simplified explanation: Basically, it means: “God has already decided what will happen, and it will definitely happen exactly as he planned.” Let’s unpack that a bit further: “The LORD of hosts hath sworn…” – This is a very powerful phrase. "Hosts" means "King" or “Lord.” It emphasizes that this isn't just a suggestion; it's a definite and unwavering promise made by God. “…saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass…” – This part confirms that God has already conceived of this future event. “So shall it come to pass” is a very strong way of saying “this will happen.” "...and as I have purposed, [so] shall it stand:” - This is the key part! "Purposed" means planned or determined. The word “so” adds a crucial layer – it’s not just that it will happen, but that it will happen exactly as God intended . It's like saying, "I've already decided this will be." What does this verse suggest? It suggests a very significant and potentially dramatic future event. It speaks of God’s complete control over everything, and his certainty about what will occur. There’s a sense of divine justice and purpose at play. Important Note: This is often interpreted as a prophecy about the destruction of Babylon (a powerful Persian city) but it's also seen as a broader statement about God’s sovereignty and judgment over all nations. In short, this verse is a declaration of God's absolute power and his unwavering plan for events to unfold. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Talk about the symbolism behind it (like the image of the "Lord of Hosts")? Discuss its significance in a particular context (like the Old Testament)?