Definition: And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the LORD shall beat off from the channel of the river unto the stream of Egypt, and ye shall be gathered one by one, O ye children of Israel.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 27:12. It’s a really important and somewhat dramatic passage about God’s plan for Israel. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a process of being re-organized or restored . It’s saying that God is going to bring back the Israelites (the people of Israel) from a situation of separation and disunity. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And it shall come to pass in that day…” – This sets the stage for something significant happening in the future. It’s about a specific time, "that day," which is a long way off. “[That] the LORD shall beat off from the channel of the river unto the stream of Egypt…” – This is the key part. The “channel of the river” refers to the Jordan River. The “stream of Egypt” refers to a large, powerful, and often disruptive group of people – specifically, the Egyptian people. The LORD (God) is going to remove or eliminate this disruptive element. “and ye shall be gathered one by one, O ye children of Israel.” - This means that the Israelites are being brought back together in a specific way. It's not just a random reunion; it’s a deliberate and organized process. “O ye children of Israel” refers specifically to the Jewish people. What does this mean practically? The idea behind this verse is rooted in a historical context of conflict with Egypt, which had been dominating the region for centuries. The Egyptians were powerful and often hostile towards the Israelites. God's plan is to restore the Israelites to their rightful position – as a unified people under his rule. It’s about restoring peace and security. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted in light of the Old Testament prophecy of Israel being conquered by Egypt, and then eventually returning to its homeland. It speaks to a long-term restoration of God's chosen people. In short, this verse describes a carefully orchestrated process where God will bring the Israelites back together after a period of separation and conflict. --- Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+27%3A12](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+27%3A12) Wikipedia - Isaiah 27:12: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah_27%3A12](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah_27%3A12) Do you want me to delve deeper into any specific aspect of this verse, such as its symbolism or historical context?