Definition: What shall I say? he hath both spoken unto me, and himself hath done [it]: I shall go softly all my years in the bitterness of my soul.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Isaiah 38:15. It’s a really powerful and complex verse, but we can understand it at its core. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: “What shall I say? He hath both spoken unto me, and himself hath done [it]: I shall go softly all my years in the bitterness of my soul.” Let's unpack each part: "What shall I say?" - This is a question, suggesting someone is grappling with a difficult situation. It’s like saying, “I’m struggling with this.” “He hath both spoken unto me” – This means God has communicated with the person, offered guidance or a message. It's about a conversation or revelation from God. "and himself hath done [it]” – This is the crucial part. It’s saying that God did something – he acted in a way that caused trouble and hardship. The word “done” is key here - it implies an action, not just a statement. It means he initiated something negative or hurtful. “I shall go softly all my years in the bitterness of my soul.” – This is the core of the verse’s meaning. "Bitterness of my soul" means deep sorrow, resentment, and pain. “Go softly” suggests a slow, measured approach to dealing with this pain. It's implying that the person isn’t trying to fight or dominate their feelings; they are choosing to endure them with quiet strength. Overall Interpretation - A Message of Acceptance & Resilience: This verse is often interpreted as a reflection on the consequences of conflict and betrayal. It speaks to: The Pain of Betrayal: The person has been wronged, and now they're experiencing deep emotional pain because of it. Acceptance of Suffering: The "softly" part suggests that while the suffering is painful, the person isn’t trying to cause it or aggressively defend themselves. They are choosing a path of endurance and quiet strength. It’s about acknowledging the hurt without letting it consume them completely. Context in the Bible: This passage is found within the book of Isaiah, and it's part of a larger story about God's judgment on Israel during a time of conflict with Judah. It foreshadows the events of the Book of Jeremiah, where God will deliver His people from their enemies through a period of intense suffering. In essence, this verse is a call for resilience in the face of hardship – to not let bitterness consume you but to find strength and peace within your pain. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the passage? Discuss the theological significance of this verse? Give some examples of how this principle might apply to a modern situation?