Definition: Therefore said I, Look away from me; I will weep bitterly, labour not to comfort me, because of the spoiling of the daughter of my people.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 22:4. It’s a really powerful and emotionally charged passage about God's feelings towards his people. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is essentially saying that God is deeply saddened by the suffering of his people, especially because of something happening to their daughter – likely a young woman or child. It’s expressing intense grief and frustration. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Therefore said I…” : This means God is directly speaking. He’s acknowledging a specific situation. “…Look away from me…” : This isn't just a request; it’s a rejection of God's attention. It's saying, "I don't want your focus on me." "...I will weep bitterly, labour not to comfort me..." : This is the most impactful part. “Weeping” means intense sadness and tears. “Labour not to comfort me” means he’s not willing to help or ease his people's pain. He doesn't want to be involved in their problems. "...because of the spoiling of the daughter of my people." : This is the key detail. "Spoiling" here isn’t about physical damage; it’s a metaphor for suffering . The “daughter of my people” refers to Israel, the Jewish people. The word "spoiling" means to harm or ruin something – in this case, their well-being and happiness. What does it mean practically? This verse speaks to a time when God was feeling deeply hurt by the injustice and hardship faced by his people. It suggests that he’s experiencing a profound sadness because of the pain inflicted on those closest to him. It's a moment of intense emotional distress for him. Context is important: Isaiah 22:4 is part of a larger story in Isaiah, which describes God’s anger and judgment against his enemies. It often relates to the history of Israel and their relationship with God. The verse highlights a sense of divine justice and a deep concern for the well-being of his people. In short: God is profoundly saddened by something happening to someone he cares about, and this reflects a deep emotional pain and lack of desire to help. --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse from Isaiah 22? Discuss the symbolism behind the image of “spoiling”? Give you some context about what was happening in Israel at that time?