Isaiah 26:18

Arabic Simplified (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)

حَبِلْنَا وَكُنَّا نَتَلَوَّى، وَوَلَدْنَا الرِّيحَ فَقَطْ. لَمْ نُخَلِّصِ الأرْضَ، وَلَمْ نَلِدْ سُكَّانَ المَسكُونَةِ.

What Does This Mean?

The verse describes a sense of disappointment and frustration. The people are likening their efforts to laboring in vain, like giving birth to nothing but wind. They feel they have not achieved any meaningful change or deliverance in the world around them.

Explained for Children

Imagine you've been trying really hard to build a big sandcastle but when you're done, it just blows away in the wind. That's how the people in this verse feel. They tried to do something big and important, but nothing came of it.

Historical Background

Isaiah 26:18 was written by the prophet Isaiah, who lived around 700 BCE. This verse is part of a song of praise and lamentation, likely spoken by the Jewish people during a time of deep struggle and disappointment in their efforts to bring about change or deliverance.

Living It Out Today

In modern terms, this verse can be applied to situations where people feel their efforts have been in vain, such as a business venture that fails despite hard work or a political campaign that does not succeed. It teaches us to reflect on our motivations and the context of our endeavors.

Topics

• disappointment
• struggle
• effort
• deliverance
• hope
• faith

Related Verses

• Hosea 11:8
• Micah 6:11
• Matthew 11:28
• Luke 13:8
• Romans 8:22

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is speaking in Isaiah 26:18?

The speaker is likely the Jewish people, reflecting on their experiences and struggles.

What does 'brought forth wind' mean in this context?

It means that their efforts resulted in nothing substantial, like trying to hold onto air, symbolizing disappointment and futility.

How can this verse be relevant to modern readers?

Modern readers can relate to the feeling of disappointment when their efforts do not result in the change they hoped for, prompting reflection on their actions and faith.

What does this verse teach us about deliverance?

It suggests that deliverance is not always straightforward and can be thwarted by external or internal factors, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and faith.