Definition: For these [things] I weep; mine eye, mine eye runneth down with water, because the comforter that should relieve my soul is far from me: my children are desolate, because the enemy prevailed.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse together. It’s a really powerful and emotional passage from the Book of Lamentations, and it speaks to immense grief and despair. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: This verse comes from a time when Jerusalem was devastated by a terrible war – a huge battle where the enemy conquered the city and its people. It’s described as a period of profound sadness and loss. Let’s unpack the words: “For these [things] I weep…” : The person who wrote this verse isn't just feeling sad; they're weeping . Weeping is a deep, emotional sorrow. It suggests a significant amount of pain and heartache. “…mine eye, mine eye runneth down with water…” : This is a really striking image. “Mine eye” means the eye of God – it’s a symbol of divine compassion and mercy. The word "runneth" implies a constant, overflowing stream of tears. It's like there’s a flood of sorrow. “…because the comforter that should relieve my soul is far from me…” : This is the core of the pain. A “comforter” is someone who offers comfort and support – someone who helps you feel better. The person is completely alone and without help. “My children are desolate, because the enemy prevailed.” : This is the most heartbreaking part. The word "desolate" means empty, lost, and broken. The “enemy” refers to the powerful enemy that destroyed Jerusalem. The fact that they’re “desolate” – meaning completely lost and without hope – speaks of unimaginable suffering for the people. Overall Meaning: The verse expresses a deep, overwhelming sadness because the person is utterly alone and grieving the loss of their children. They feel like God has abandoned them in a time of great tragedy. It’s a raw expression of heartbreak and despair caused by something devastating happening to their loved ones. It's about: Loss and Grief: The verse highlights the immense pain of losing everything – family, hope, security, and comfort. Divine Justice: There’s an underlying sense that this suffering is a consequence of the enemy's actions, suggesting a larger injustice or punishment. God’s Perspective: It speaks to God’s perspective – He feels deeply for his people, and he is saddened by their plight. Important Note: It’s important to remember that this verse doesn’t excuse the enemy’s actions. It simply expresses the human response to immense suffering and loss. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect it to a particular story or biblical context? Discuss what this passage might be saying about faith or resilience?