Definition: I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Jeremiah 15:17. It's a really powerful and complex verse, so we’ll take it in stages. The Basic Story: This verse comes from the Book of Jeremiah, and it describes a very difficult situation involving a young boy named Josiah. Here’s what happened: Josiah was a king: He was a young and somewhat rebellious king who wasn't popular with his people. A terrible plague: A devastating plague swept through Israel, killing many people. The people were distraught and lost hope. God’s plan to cleanse the land: God knew this plague would be a sign of judgment. He tasked Jeremiah with finding a goat and offering it as a sacrifice to cleanse the land from the evil. What happened next: Jeremiah was instructed to sit alone, in a secluded place, and wait for the goat to appear. He felt incredibly frustrated and angry because he wasn’t being praised or acknowledged by his people. He felt like God wasn't helping him. The Meaning – It’s About Anger and Disappointment: This verse is about deep disappointment and anger . Here's what it means: “I sat not in the assembly of the mockers” : Jeremiah was surrounded by people who were deliberately trying to provoke him, to make him angry. They were making fun of him and his situation. “Nor rejoiced” : He wasn’t feeling joy or happiness at all. He was deeply saddened and frustrated because he felt ignored and unappreciated. “I sat alone because of thy hand” : This is a crucial part. It means that God, through the messenger Jeremiah, had given him the instructions to sit alone. The very act of God setting this situation for him was the source of his anger. He felt like he wasn't being given a chance to do his job and solve the problem. The Core Idea - A Sense of Being Left Out: The verse really speaks to the feeling of being left out – that your voice doesn’t matter, or that you aren’t valued by those in power. It highlights a sense of frustration and helplessness when God isn't actively helping or acknowledging you. In short, it’s a lament about feeling ignored and unappreciated by those who are supposed to be supporting you. Important Note: This is a very metaphorical verse. It doesn’t necessarily mean Jeremiah was actually angry with the people. It's more about his internal experience of disappointment and lack of agency in the face of a difficult situation. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Discuss its significance within the context of the Book of Jeremiah? Connect it to other biblical stories or themes (like faith, responsibility, or divine judgment)?