Definition: The LORD hath purposed to destroy the wall of the daughter of Zion: he hath stretched out a line, he hath not withdrawn his hand from destroying: therefore he made the rampart and the wall to lament; they languished together.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Lamentations 2:8. It’s a really powerful and poetic passage about God’s anger and a desperate plea for help. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Core Idea: God is deeply upset about something happening to the city of Jerusalem (represented by the “daughter of Zion”). He’s essentially saying he’s going to destroy it, and he's actively working towards that destruction. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “The LORD hath purposed to destroy the wall of the daughter of Zion…” This means God has a specific plan – he wants to destroy something important in Jerusalem. "Daughter of Zion" is a symbolic name for Israel, and this refers specifically to the city itself. “…he hath stretched out a line, he hath not withdrawn his hand from destroying:” This is the most dramatic part. It’s like God is stretching out a long, strong line (a “line” in Hebrew – k'atzer ) and continuing to push harder. He isn't stopping; he’s just intensifying his action. “Therefore he made the rampart and the wall to lament…” This is where it gets emotionally charged. God is now creating a "rampart" (a defensive wall) and “walls” – basically, the walls of the city – to watch and respond to the destruction. It’s like he's making them sad and mournful because he's causing this pain. “They languished together.” This is a key part of the imagery. The rampart and wall are together , stuck in a state of sorrow and stagnation. They're not moving forward; they’re simply existing as a result of God’s anger. Overall Meaning: The verse paints a picture of immense, unrelenting grief from God. He's not just angry; he's actively creating a situation where things are suffering because of his displeasure. It suggests a cycle of despair and destruction. It’s a moment of intense, painful judgment. Important Note: This is a very poetic and symbolic passage. The Bible often uses imagery to convey deeper truths about God’s character and relationship with humanity. --- Do you want me to explain any aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the symbolism of the "wall"? Discuss the context of the story in Lamentations?