Definition: For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 26:21. It's a pretty serious and dramatic statement about the future. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says that God is coming to judge humanity. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “For, behold…” : This is a way of saying “Watch this.” It’s a marker indicating something significant is about to happen. “…the LORD cometh out of his place…” : This means God isn't just going to do something; He’s appearing and taking action. "Cometh out of his place" suggests a significant change or a shift in the situation. "...to punish the inhabitants of the earth..." : This is about human wickedness and sin. It’s not just about individual people, but the entire world. “Inhabitants of the Earth” refers to all humanity – everyone on the planet. "...for their iniquity:" : “Iniquity” means moral wrongdoings, bad behavior, or sins. It's basically anything that goes against God’s will and is a result of our choices. "the earth also shall disclose her blood..." : This is a powerful image. “Disclose” means to reveal something, and “her blood” refers to the result of human sin – the destruction and pain caused by our actions. It's like the earth showing its wounds. "...and shall no more cover her slain." : This is the most shocking part. "Sawn" means dead or destroyed. So, this verse says that the earth will never hide its sins again. It’s a promise of judgment and destruction. In simpler terms: God is coming to punish humanity for their wickedness. The Earth itself will reveal all her pain – all the bad things she's done – forever. It’s a warning about the consequences of sin and a call for repentance. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a prophecy about the end times, but it also speaks to the ongoing need for God’s grace and forgiveness. It’s a reminder that we all have fallen short of His perfect standard. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Connect this verse to other Bible stories or themes? Offer a different perspective on the meaning?