Definition: O daughter of my people, gird [thee] with sackcloth, and wallow thyself in ashes: make thee mourning, [as for] an only son, most bitter lamentation: for the spoiler shall suddenly come upon us.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 6:26. It's a really powerful and dramatic warning, and it speaks to a serious crisis facing Israel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Jeremiah is speaking to the prophet Jeremiah – a man who was deeply concerned about the future of Judah (the area now known as Israel). He’s saying that God is incredibly angry with them because of a betrayal and a significant act of violence. Let's unpack each part: “O daughter of my people…” : This is Jeremiah addressing his people, specifically those who are responsible for the actions that are causing this distress. It’s a direct accusation – he’s blaming them. “…gird [thee] with sackcloth, and wallow thyself in ashes:” This is a really intense metaphor. “Gird” means to wrap yourself up completely in something. "Wallow" means to sink or drown. So, this suggests Jeremiah is being wrapped in a thick layer of sorrow and despair – like sinking into a deep, uncomfortable pile of ash. It’s a symbol of utter devastation. “Make thee mourning, as for an only son, most bitter lamentation:” This highlights the depth of the pain. It's not just sadness; it's a profound sense of loss and grief. "Only son" emphasizes that this isn’t a general feeling of sorrow; it's a deep, personal anguish. “Bitter lamentation” means a long, mournful cry or weeping. “For the spoiler shall suddenly come upon us.” This is the core of the warning. The verse describes a sudden and devastating attack – a “spoiler” – that will arrive unexpectedly and completely destroy everything. It’s like a storm coming without warning, bringing ruin. Overall Meaning & Significance: Jeremiah is telling God that Judah has been dishonorable to Him. He’s saying that the people are so selfish and violent that they've caused a catastrophic event – an attack that will wipe them out completely. It's a desperate plea from God for repentance, because this betrayal is about to lead to complete destruction. Important Context: The verse comes after Jeremiah has been called by God to warn the people of Judah about their sins and their impending doom. It’s a moment of intense crisis and judgment. --- To help me explain it even better for you , could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand from this verse? (e.g., Are you curious about the symbolism, or do you want a more general explanation?)