Definition: And I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 5:6. It’s a pretty powerful and symbolic passage about judgment and restoration. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a period of intense hardship and destruction followed by a time of renewal and healing. It suggests that something negative – perhaps a system, a practice, or even an individual – will be severely punished and ultimately brought down. Let’s unpack it word-by-word: “And I will lay it waste” : This is the core of the verse. “Waste” means to destroy, ruin, or bring something to nothing. It's a strong verb suggesting complete devastation. “it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns” : This describes the process of destruction. The "pruning" part means being cut off, removed, or eliminated. “Digging” suggests something is being unearthed and brought to the surface – perhaps a system that’s been built on injustice or corruption. The "briers and thorns" are the consequences of this action - harsh, painful, and destructive things will grow up. “I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it” : This is the crucial part that sets it apart. It’s a command – an instruction from God. It means that after the "waste" has occurred, God will bring down a terrible storm (rain) to punish this thing. The cloud imagery represents divine judgment and cleansing. Overall Meaning - A Summary: Isaiah 5:6 is about a period of intense hardship and suffering – likely related to something that's been unjust or harmful. But God doesn’t just stop there. He will bring a time of healing and restoration through a devastating storm, demonstrating His power and ultimately leading to a new beginning. It’s often interpreted as a metaphor for: The defeat of evil: A period of widespread wickedness or wrongdoing being punished. The coming of God's judgment: A time when God will actively punish those who oppose Him. A cleansing and renewal: After a period of trouble, there’s a time of restoration and healing. Important Note: This is a complex verse with many possible interpretations. It’s a beautiful and poetic passage that speaks to the sovereignty and judgment of God. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to specific events or stories in the Bible? Discuss different possible interpretations?