Definition: And [they that shall be] of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 58:12. It's a really powerful and thought-provoking statement about how God sees the world and its people. Here’s a breakdown in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse essentially says that God is watching over the world, particularly the areas of suffering, neglect, and brokenness – “old waste places” – and he's actively working to restore them and build something lasting for generations to come. He’s calling himself “The Repairer of the Breach” and “The Restorer of Paths.” Let’s unpack it word by word: “And [they that shall be] of thee…” – This is a metaphorical way of saying “God” or “the Lord” is looking at humanity. “…shall build the old waste places…” - "Old waste places" refers to areas that are neglected, damaged, and filled with problems – things like poverty, injustice, addiction, environmental destruction, etc. It’s not just about physical waste; it's about a lack of care and a brokenness within society. “…Thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations…” - This is the key part. God isn't just repairing individual things; he’s building lasting foundations for future generations – that means creating a foundation that will continue to be important and useful long after we are gone. It speaks to lasting hope and legacy. “…and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.” - This is where it gets really powerful. It's giving God a title – "The Repairer of the Breach" – which means he’s actively involved in fixing things that are broken and causing harm. “Restorer of paths” implies creating opportunities for people to live, thrive, and find purpose. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: Isaiah 58:12 is a call to action from God. It suggests that God isn't just passively observing the world; he’s actively working to heal brokenness and create a better future. It’s a message of hope, saying that even in the midst of suffering and challenges, God has the power to restore, rebuild, and guide humanity toward something truly good and lasting. Think of it like this: Imagine a cracked foundation for a house. Someone is actively working to repair it – strengthening it, making it stable, and creating a space where people can live comfortably and build their lives. God is doing the same thing with the world. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how this message applies to today’s world? Discuss a specific aspect of this verse, like its connection to themes of justice or redemption?