What is the definition of Isaiah 21:4? 🙋 🔍
My heart panted, fearfulness affrighted me: the night of my pleasure hath he turned into fear unto me.
Explanation:
Okay, let's break down this beautiful and slightly complex passage from Isaiah 21:4. It’s a really evocative verse that speaks to a powerful emotional response. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms:
The Basic Idea:
This verse describes a feeling of intense fear and anxiety when someone is experiencing pleasure, especially something they're longing for or desiring intensely. It’s like a moment where your heart feels overwhelmed with worry and dread.
Let's unpack it piece by piece:
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"My heart panted, fearfulness affrighted me:"
This tells us the speaker was feeling physically anxious – their heart was racing and they were worried. “Fearfulness” means anxiety or apprehension. "Affrighted” suggests a sudden, overwhelming fright. It’s not just a little worry; it's a deep, intense terror.
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"the night of my pleasure hath he turned into fear unto me."
This is the core of the verse. “The night of my pleasure” refers to a time when something they desire intensely is happening – perhaps a moment of happiness, excitement, or fulfillment. “He turned into fear” means that this intense experience has become frightening and overwhelming for them. It’s like a powerful temptation or longing has taken on a menacing quality.
So, what does it mean practically?
It’s suggesting that when someone is deeply craving something pleasurable – maybe love, happiness, or even a specific moment – their emotions can become dangerously intense and frightening. It highlights the potential for obsession and worry to consume someone.
Important Context (Briefly):
Isaiah 21:4 is part of a larger prophecy in the Bible about the future of Israel and its relationship with God. It’s a glimpse into a time when the people were experiencing a significant shift in their relationship with God, moving away from worship and towards a more demanding, perhaps even fearful, expectation of Him.
In essence, it's a reminder that intense emotions, especially those fueled by desire or longing, can be dangerous if they become overwhelming.
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Do you want to delve deeper into any aspect of this verse? For example, would you like me to:
đź’Ž Explain its connection to the larger prophecy?
💎 Discuss the idea of “temptation” in the context of this verse?
đź’Ž Talk about how this passage relates to human emotions and anxiety?