Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely my judgment is with the LORD, and my work with my God.
Then I said, 'I have worked hard for nothing, I have used up all my strength with no results, and it was all pointless. But I know that the Lord will judge me fairly, and my reward is in God's hands.'
The writer expresses deep discouragement about feeling like his hard work was wasted, but still trusts that God sees everything and will make things right.
📚 Historical Context
This is part of the second 'Servant Song' in Isaiah, where God's chosen servant (often understood as the Messiah) speaks about his mission. The servant feels discouraged because Israel seems unresponsive to his message of restoration. This was written during Israel's exile in Babylon when the people felt abandoned and hopeless about their future.
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