Definition: Therefore shall evil come upon thee; thou shalt not know from whence it riseth: and mischief shall fall upon thee; thou shalt not be able to put it off: and desolation shall come upon thee suddenly, [which] thou shalt not know.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 47:11. It’s a really powerful message about the unpredictable nature of life and suffering. Here’s a simplified explanation: Basically, it means that even when you think you're safe and in control, things can turn against you unexpectedly and harshly. Let’s break it down further: “Therefore shall evil come upon thee…” : This is saying that bad things will happen to you. It’s not just a vague feeling of sadness; it’s an impending event. “…Thou shalt not know from whence it riseth:” This is the key part. It's like saying, "I don't know how this will happen." You don’t understand the cause or origin of the trouble yet. It's a mystery. “and mischief shall fall upon thee:” This refers to misfortune, hardship, and difficulties – things that aren't fair or planned. “…Thou shalt not be able to put it off:” This highlights the feeling of helplessness. You can’t stop the trouble from happening, and you don’t know why . “and desolation shall come upon thee suddenly…”: This is a more dramatic phrase – a sudden, devastating loss or hardship. "[Which] thou shalt not know:” This final part emphasizes that even after the disaster, you won't understand why it happened, and it may be difficult to recover from the pain. In short, the verse speaks about suffering being unavoidable and uncontrollable, leaving us feeling helpless and uncertain. Why is this important? It’s a reminder that we shouldn’t get too comfortable or complacent. It encourages us to: Pray: To ask for God's protection and guidance during difficult times. Trust in Him: Even when things are tough, it’s good to remember that God is in control of our lives, even if we don't understand the reasons behind what happens. Focus on Hope: Knowing that suffering can happen doesn’t mean the end – it can be a time for reflection and strengthening our faith. Does this make sense? Would you like me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, or perhaps connect it to a specific situation you're thinking about? For example, are you struggling with something right now, and this verse feels particularly relevant?