Definition: Thus saith thy Lord the LORD, and thy God [that] pleadeth the cause of his people, Behold, I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling, [even] the dregs of the cup of my fury; thou shalt no more drink it again:
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really powerful and important one from Isaiah 51:22. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is about God’s deep concern for his people – specifically, for Israel – and his intention to let go of anger and bitterness. Let's unpack the parts: “Thus saith thy Lord the LORD, and thy God [that] pleadeth the cause of his people…” - This is a serious statement from God. He’s speaking directly to His people, calling them by their name ("thy God"). “Pleadeth the cause” means he's expressing his worry, concern, and frustration. “Behold, I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling…” - This is a crucial part. "The cup of trembling" refers to a time when someone (likely a leader or ruler) was feeling incredibly angry, upset, and perhaps even desperate. It's like a bitter, overflowing cup that’s about to spill. “[even] the dregs of the cup of my fury” - “Dregs” means the bottom layer – the leftover stuff, the unpleasant bits. This is a metaphor for all the anger, resentment, and bitterness that was simmering inside God. It wasn't just a small amount; it was a significant amount of pain and hurt. "Thou shalt no more drink it again:" - This is the most important part. God is saying, "You are no longer allowed to be consumed by this anger. You must let it go." It’s a command – a promise – that he will not allow this bitterness to continue to affect his people. Overall Meaning & Significance: The verse paints a picture of a powerful and possibly turbulent time for Israel. God is feeling deeply hurt and frustrated, and he's taking steps to protect his people from that hurt. It’s a message of hope – because God is ultimately in control and will not allow this negativity to harm them. Why it’s important: This verse often appears during times of crisis or conflict, when the Israelites were facing challenges and possibly felt overwhelmed by their circumstances. It's a reminder that even when things seem bleak, God remains strong and watchful. --- To help me explain this verse even better for you , could you tell me: What sparked your interest in this verse? (Are you curious about the context of the time it’s being used in?) What are you hoping to understand more about it? (e.g., its meaning, its significance, or how it relates to a specific story?)