Definition: Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 1:4. It’s a pretty powerful and somewhat sobering message about humanity's relationship with God. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that our nation – our people – is on a bad path, constantly making mistakes and being drawn away from God. It describes a situation where we are actively choosing to disobey Him and go in the wrong direction. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Sinful nation” : This means a country or group of people who consistently do wrong things – they aren't just occasional mistakes, but a pattern of behavior that is morally flawed. “People laden with iniquity” : "Iniquity" is a fancy word for “evil deeds,” “wrongdoing,” or “sin.” It refers to the actions and habits that are harmful to ourselves and others. Think of it like a heavy burden on our souls. “A seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters” : This emphasizes that these actions aren’t just random mistakes; they are causing harm and developing into something negative. "Children" suggests a future generation is affected by this behavior. “They have forsaken the LORD” : This is the key part. It means we've stopped listening to God, turning away from Him, and not seeking His guidance or help. We’re actively choosing to do things without Him. “They have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger” : This refers to God himself – He is the ultimate authority and the one who judges us. "Provoked" means angered or displeased. It highlights that we are causing a negative reaction in His presence. “They are gone away backward” : This is the most striking part. “Going backward” suggests a loss of direction, a retreat from righteousness, and a movement toward darkness. It’s like turning around and walking in the wrong way. Overall Meaning: Isaiah 1:4 paints a picture of a nation that has strayed far from God, causing trouble and suffering for itself and others. It's a call to repentance – to turn back to God and seek His guidance and forgiveness. It’s a warning about the consequences of our choices. Important Note: This verse isn’t necessarily a condemnation of everyone . It speaks to humanity as a whole, and it calls for change and restoration. It's a reminder that we all need to be mindful of our relationship with God. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how this applies to modern society? Explore the historical context of this passage?