Definition: And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Genesis 37:34. It's a really powerful and sad moment in the story of Jacob and his sons. Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, Jacob is deeply distraught because his son Reuben dies. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening: “Genesis 37:34” : This is the specific verse we're focusing on. It tells us what happened next. “And Jacob rent his clothes…” : Jacob was incredibly upset because he had to quickly cover Reuben’s body with a shroud. He was in a state of shock and grief. "Renting" means covering himself – it shows how devastated he was. “…and put sackcloth upon his loins…” : This is the key part. He wrapped Reuben's body in a large, heavy cloth (sackcloth) to hold him in place. It’s a symbolic gesture of immense sorrow and mourning. “And mourned for his son many days.” : This describes how long he spent grieving. He didn't just cry; he spent many days in deep sadness, reflecting on the loss of his son. What does this tell us about Jacob’s feelings? It shows that Jacob was profoundly heartbroken and lost. The act of covering Reuben’s body with sackcloth is a very clear sign of his grief. It speaks to the immense pain he experienced due to the death of his beloved son. Why is this important? This event is significant because it sets the stage for some really dramatic events in the rest of Genesis – particularly the story of Joseph and his escape from Egypt. It highlights the intense emotions Jacob felt when losing his son, and it’s a pivotal moment that influences many subsequent storylines. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the symbolism behind this scene (like the sackcloth)?