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Book of Isaiah - Chapter 22 - Verse 4

22:4
Therefore said I, Look away from me: I will weep bitterly, labour not to comfort me, because of the spoiling of the daughter of my people.

Meaning

These words spoken by the prophet Isaiah express deep anguish and sorrow over the devastation and destruction of the Israelites, referred to as the daughter of his people. The prophet is so overwhelmed by the suffering of his people that he asks others to turn away from him and not try to comfort him in his grief. This verse reflects the deep empathy and sorrow that Isaiah feels for the suffering of his people, and his inability to be consoled in the face of such widespread ruin. It portrays a profound sense of helplessness and despair in the midst of great loss. The prophet's words serve as a poignant reminder of the pain and sorrow that can accompany the tragedies that befall a community, and the challenges of finding solace in the wake of such devastation.

Theological Overview

Jeremiah 8:21 gives a glimpse into the deep sorrow experienced by the prophet Jeremiah as he laments over the destruction and desolation of his people. The phrase "look away from me" is a poignant expression of the intense grief he is feeling, asking those around him not to try and console him in his anguish. The verse also speaks to the futility of trying to find comfort in the midst of such devastation, as Jeremiah declares his intention to weep bitterly. The phrase "the spoiling of the daughter of my people" refers to the ruin and devastation brought upon the people of Judah by their disobedience to God and the resulting consequences of their actions. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the devastating effects that sin can have on a community.

American Standard Version

Therefore said I, Look away from me, I will weep bitterly; labor not to comfort me for the destruction of the daughter of my people.
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