This verse from Jeremiah 14:17 is a powerful expression of grief and lament over the suffering of the people of Judah. Let's break it down:
"You shall say this word to them:" This indicates that God is instructing Jeremiah to speak these words to the people. Jeremiah is acting as God's messenger, conveying His deep sorrow.
"'Let my eyes run down with tears night and day, and let them not cease;'" This describes an intense, unrelenting weeping. The speaker (assumed to be Jeremiah, but more importantly, representing God's heart) is overwhelmed with sorrow and cannot stop crying. The imagery emphasizes the depth and constancy of the pain.
"for the virgin daughter of my people is broken with a great breach, with a very grievous wound." This is the core of the verse. Here's what each part means:
"the virgin daughter of my people": This is a common metaphor for the nation of Judah, and especially Jerusalem. Calling Judah a "virgin daughter" implies that she was once pure, innocent, and untouched.
"is broken with a great breach": This speaks of a severe calamity or destruction. A "breach" is a break or rupture, suggesting that the nation is fractured and damaged. The word "great" emphasizes the severity of this breakage.
"with a very grievous wound": This is a parallel and reinforcing phrase to "a great breach". "Grievous" means causing great sorrow or suffering. The wound represents the pain, trauma, and lasting damage inflicted upon the nation.
In summary:
The verse describes God's profound sorrow and grief over the destruction and suffering of Judah. The image of unending tears and the metaphor of the "virgin daughter" being broken and wounded highlight the severity of the situation. God, through Jeremiah, is expressing the devastation caused by the sins of the people and the resulting consequences, most likely referring to the impending Babylonian invasion. This verse paints a picture of national tragedy and emphasizes God's empathy for His people, even in their deserved punishment.
This verse from Jeremiah 14:17 is a powerful expression of grief and lament over the suffering of the people of Judah. Let's break it down:
"You shall say this word to them:" This indicates that God is instructing Jeremiah to speak these words to the people. Jeremiah is acting as God's messenger, conveying His deep sorrow.
"'Let my eyes run down with tears night and day, and let them not cease;'" This describes an intense, unrelenting weeping. The speaker (assumed to be Jeremiah, but more importantly, representing God's heart) is overwhelmed with sorrow and cannot stop crying. The imagery emphasizes the depth and constancy of the pain.
"for the virgin daughter of my people is broken with a great breach, with a very grievous wound." This is the core of the verse. Here's what each part means:
"the virgin daughter of my people": This is a common metaphor for the nation of Judah, and especially Jerusalem. Calling Judah a "virgin daughter" implies that she was once pure, innocent, and untouched.
"is broken with a great breach": This speaks of a severe calamity or destruction. A "breach" is a break or rupture, suggesting that the nation is fractured and damaged. The word "great" emphasizes the severity of this breakage.
"with a very grievous wound": This is a parallel and reinforcing phrase to "a great breach". "Grievous" means causing great sorrow or suffering. The wound represents the pain, trauma, and lasting damage inflicted upon the nation.
In summary:
The verse describes God's profound sorrow and grief over the destruction and suffering of Judah. The image of unending tears and the metaphor of the "virgin daughter" being broken and wounded highlight the severity of the situation. God, through Jeremiah, is expressing the devastation caused by the sins of the people and the resulting consequences, most likely referring to the impending Babylonian invasion. This verse paints a picture of national tragedy and emphasizes God's empathy for His people, even in their deserved punishment.
