Definition: Behind the doors also and the posts hast thou set up thy remembrance: for thou hast discovered [thyself to another] than me, and art gone up; thou hast enlarged thy bed, and made thee [a covenant] with them; thou lovedst their bed where thou sawest [it].
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It's a pretty poetic and thought-provoking passage from Isaiah 57:8. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Core Idea: This verse is about pride, isolation, and neglecting others. It’s saying that the writer of Isaiah feels like they’ve been forgotten and left behind by those who have benefited from their own self-importance. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Behind the doors also and the posts hast thou set up thy remembrance…” – This refers to a time when the person was looking out for others, keeping them safe and secure. They were actively involved in helping and protecting people. Think of it like a shepherd watching over their flock. “…thy remembrance” - This is key. The person has been remembered by others – they've been noticed and valued. “For thou hast discovered [thyself] to another than me…” – They’ve become known to someone else, perhaps even a different person entirely. The person is now recognized as being separate from the group of people who were previously helping them. “…and art gone up; thou hast enlarged thy bed, and made [a covenant] with them…” - This describes a time when they were absorbed in their own self-importance, building a large, comfortable life for themselves. They've expanded their personal space – perhaps a luxurious home – and formed a “covenant” (agreement) with those who benefited from this expansion. “Thou lovedst their bed where thou sawest [it].” - This is the most poignant part. The person is saying they enjoyed being surrounded by others, even to the point of neglecting their own well-being and responsibilities. They were so focused on their own comfort and pleasure that they stopped caring about others. They prioritized their own needs over those of others. Overall Meaning: This verse paints a picture of someone who became consumed with self-importance, isolating themselves from the community and losing sight of what truly matters - helping others and being part of something larger than themselves. It's a warning against pride and selfishness. In short, it’s a message about the importance of humility, compassion, and taking care of those around us. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or situation? Offer some perspective on why this verse is important for our lives today?