Isaiah 8:21 - They will pass through it, very distressed and hungry; and it will happen that when they are hungry, they will worry, and curse by their king and by their God. They will turn their faces upward,
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What does "Isaiah 8:21" mean?
Isaiah 8:21 depicts a bleak and desperate scenario, a consequence of turning away from God and embracing darkness (as described in the preceding verses). Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"They will pass through it, very distressed and hungry...": This describes a time of immense suffering and hardship. The "it" likely refers to the land, the situation they're in, or the overall consequences of their actions. They are struggling to survive. "Distressed" and "hungry" highlight both their physical and emotional state.
"...and it will happen that when they are hungry, they will worry...": Hunger and desperation will lead to anxiety and fear. Their minds will be consumed with worry about their survival and future. They're not just hungry in body, but starving for hope and answers.
"...and curse by their king and by their God.": This is a critical point. Instead of repenting and turning to God, their suffering leads them to blame and curse. They curse by their king (likely the earthly ruler they relied on for security but who failed them) and by their God (demonstrating a complete lack of faith and respect). This suggests a rejection of both earthly and divine authority. It's a sign of profound spiritual decay.
"They will turn their faces upward...": On the surface, this might seem like they're turning to God in prayer. However, given the context, it's more likely an expression of despair and frustration. They are looking up in anger, perhaps demanding answers from a God they believe has abandoned them. It's a gesture of hopelessness rather than humility.
In summary:
This verse portrays a people experiencing severe hardship as a consequence of their disobedience. Instead of turning to God in repentance, they succumb to despair, anger, and blasphemy. They blame their leaders and even God for their troubles, demonstrating a complete breakdown of their relationship with the divine and with earthly authority. The upward gaze is not a prayer for help but a gesture of bitter complaint.
Context within Isaiah 8:
It's important to understand this verse within the broader context of Isaiah 8. The chapter warns against seeking guidance from occult practices and foreign alliances instead of relying on God. This verse is the inevitable outcome of that choice: a path of darkness, distress, and ultimately, spiritual and moral decay.
Isaiah 8:21 - They will pass through it, very distressed and hungry; and it will happen that when they are hungry, they will worry, and curse by their king and by their God. They will turn their faces upward,
What does "Isaiah 8:21" mean?
Isaiah 8:21 depicts a bleak and desperate scenario, a consequence of turning away from God and embracing darkness (as described in the preceding verses). Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"They will pass through it, very distressed and hungry...": This describes a time of immense suffering and hardship. The "it" likely refers to the land, the situation they're in, or the overall consequences of their actions. They are struggling to survive. "Distressed" and "hungry" highlight both their physical and emotional state.
"...and it will happen that when they are hungry, they will worry...": Hunger and desperation will lead to anxiety and fear. Their minds will be consumed with worry about their survival and future. They're not just hungry in body, but starving for hope and answers.
"...and curse by their king and by their God.": This is a critical point. Instead of repenting and turning to God, their suffering leads them to blame and curse. They curse by their king (likely the earthly ruler they relied on for security but who failed them) and by their God (demonstrating a complete lack of faith and respect). This suggests a rejection of both earthly and divine authority. It's a sign of profound spiritual decay.
"They will turn their faces upward...": On the surface, this might seem like they're turning to God in prayer. However, given the context, it's more likely an expression of despair and frustration. They are looking up in anger, perhaps demanding answers from a God they believe has abandoned them. It's a gesture of hopelessness rather than humility.
In summary:
This verse portrays a people experiencing severe hardship as a consequence of their disobedience. Instead of turning to God in repentance, they succumb to despair, anger, and blasphemy. They blame their leaders and even God for their troubles, demonstrating a complete breakdown of their relationship with the divine and with earthly authority. The upward gaze is not a prayer for help but a gesture of bitter complaint.
Context within Isaiah 8:
It's important to understand this verse within the broader context of Isaiah 8. The chapter warns against seeking guidance from occult practices and foreign alliances instead of relying on God. This verse is the inevitable outcome of that choice: a path of darkness, distress, and ultimately, spiritual and moral decay.