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Book of Isaiah - Chapter 22 - Verse 12

22:12
And in that day did the Lord GOD of hosts call to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with sackcloth:

Meaning

This verse from the book of Isaiah, chapter 22, verse 12, reveals the response of the Lord GOD of hosts to the people's sin and disobedience. The call to weeping, mourning, baldness, and girding with sackcloth signifies a deep sense of sorrow, repentance, and humility that the Lord expects from his people when they have strayed away from His ways. Weeping and mourning symbolize sincere remorse for their sins, while baldness and girding with sackcloth represent humility and a willingness to humble oneself before God. This passage serves as a reminder that God desires genuine repentance and a contrite heart from His followers. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging one's wrongdoings, seeking forgiveness, and turning back to God with a repentant spirit.

Theological Overview

Within this verse, the Lord GOD of hosts is calling for a display of deep mourning and repentance. Weeping, mourning, baldness, and girding with sackcloth were customary practices in the ancient Near East to express grief and sorrow. Weeping and mourning signify a deep emotional response to sin and the need for repentance. Baldness was a sign of mourning and humility, while girding with sackcloth represented a physical demonstration of repentance and mourning before God. The use of these symbols in the verse highlights the seriousness of the call to repentance and the need for a genuine display of sorrow for wrongdoing. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of humility, repentance, and seeking forgiveness from the Lord GOD of hosts.

American Standard Version

And in that day did the Lord, Jehovah of hosts, call to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with sackcloth:
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