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Isaiah 51:23

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
But I will put it into the hand of them that afflict thee; which have said to thy soul, Bow down, that we may go over: and thou hast laid thy body as the ground, and as the street, to them that went over.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

But I will put it into the hands of those who have hurt you, those who said to you, 'Bow down so we can walk over you.' And you made yourself like the ground, like a street for them to trample on.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

God is promising to turn the tables on Israel's oppressors, giving them the same cup of suffering they forced Israel to drink.

📚 Historical Context

In the book of Isaiah, the prophet is addressing the people of Israel during their exile in Babylon, where they faced severe oppression and humiliation from their captors, symbolizing the broader theme of God's judgment on unfaithfulness. God promises to reverse their suffering by placing the cup of wrath into the hands of their oppressors, signifying a shift in power and divine justice. This reflects the historical context of Israel's subjugation under foreign empires and God's covenantal assurance of restoration.

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