Definition: And in that day it shall come to pass, [that] the glory of Jacob shall be made thin, and the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Isaiah 17:4. It’s a pretty poetic and symbolic statement about the future. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Essentially, it’s saying that God is going to create a period of great prosperity and abundance for the people of Israel. Let's unpack the parts: “In that day…” : This refers to a specific future time – likely a significant period of time, perhaps centuries into the future. “[That] the glory of Jacob shall be made thin…” : Jacob is a very important figure in Jewish tradition, and often associated with the patriarch Abraham. "Glory" here means something impressive and revered. “Made thin” suggests that this prosperity will be particularly strong for him and his lineage. “…and the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean.” : This is the really interesting part. “Fatness” refers to a plentiful, rich life – abundance in food, wealth, and happiness. “Wax lean” means that this abundant prosperity will eventually start to dwindle or become less substantial over time. It suggests a decline in the richness of this period. Here's the bigger picture: Isaiah 17:4 is often interpreted as a prophecy about the future rise and prosperity of Israel, particularly under the leadership of King David. It’s suggesting that God will bring a time when Israel will experience a massive increase in wealth and happiness, but this abundance won’t last forever. It's a message of hope – that God is working to create a prosperous future for his people. Important Note: This is a complex passage, and different interpretations exist within religious traditions. It’s often seen as a metaphor for the rise of a nation or kingdom that will eventually decline. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss its symbolism beyond just prosperity? Provide context about the biblical times it was written in?