Definition: Like a crane [or] a swallow, so did I chatter: I did mourn as a dove: mine eyes fail [with looking] upward: O LORD, I am oppressed; undertake for me.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 38:14. It’s a really powerful and evocative passage about God's sadness and despair. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes God feeling incredibly heartbroken and overwhelmed by a situation he's experiencing. It’s like he’s crying out to heaven, expressing immense pain and hopelessness. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Like a crane [or] a swallow…” : This is figurative language – it doesn’t mean literally! The “crane” or “swallow” represents something that moves quickly and with great effort. It suggests a rapid, urgent feeling of distress. “…so did I chatter:” God is speaking, expressing his pain through words. He's lamenting, expressing sorrow. “I did mourn as a dove…” : This is the key comparison. A dove is typically associated with peace, hope, and gentleness. The contrast between the mournful "chatter" and the gentle "dove" emphasizes God’s sadness. “mine eyes fail [with looking] upward:” This shows that his grief is so profound he can't look directly at his problems anymore. His gaze is focused on heaven, a place of comfort and peace. “O LORD, I am oppressed:” This is the core of the verse – God is experiencing a great amount of suffering and burden. "Oppressed" means burdened, weighed down, or struggling with something difficult. Overall Meaning: The verse paints a picture of a divine being deeply saddened by a situation – likely involving war and hardship in Babylon. It’s not just sadness; it's a profound sense of being overwhelmed and helpless. It speaks to the immense weight of suffering and the feeling of being trapped by something difficult. Context is Key: This verse comes from a time of great upheaval in ancient Israel, particularly during the Babylonian exile. It describes God’s feelings as he anticipated the destruction of his people. --- To help me explain it even better for you , could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand about this verse? (e.g., Are you trying to grasp its meaning, or just want a quick explanation?)