Definition: Concerning Damascus. Hamath is confounded, and Arpad: for they have heard evil tidings: they are fainthearted; [there is] sorrow on the sea; it cannot be quiet.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 49:23. It’s a pretty serious passage about a future event in Israel and its surrounding lands. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a period of intense distress and sorrow happening in the region around Damascus, specifically in the area of Hamath. It’s essentially saying that people there are feeling very worried and upset. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Jeremiah 49:23 Concerning Damascus…” – This tells us this is a specific story related to a place called Damascus, which was a significant city in ancient Israel. “…Hamath is confounded, and Arpad:” - This means Hamath is experiencing a lot of trouble and confusion. “Confounded” suggests being perplexed or troubled. “Arpad” is a name that’s connected to the story of the prophet Elijah. "...they have heard evil tidings: they are fainthearted; [there] sorrow on the sea:” - This is the core of the message. The people of Hamath are fainthearted , meaning they're feeling very afraid and reluctant to do anything. "Sorrow on the sea" is a particularly evocative image – it suggests a deep, widespread sadness affecting the entire region. It’s like a massive wave of grief washing over everything. “…it cannot be quiet.” - This is the final, most important part. The situation isn't just troubled; it’s so unsettling that there's no peace or stillness whatsoever. What does this mean in a broader sense? This verse speaks to a time of great potential for conflict and hardship. It suggests that God is preparing for a period of significant upheaval – perhaps even war – because of the actions of certain people (like the kings of Damascus and surrounding areas). The "sorrow on the sea" could be interpreted as a metaphor for a widespread sense of loss or impending disaster. Important Note: This is a poetic and symbolic passage, not necessarily a literal historical account of events. It’s meant to convey God's judgment and prepare humanity for future challenges. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss what this verse might symbolize in a larger context (like the history of Israel)?