Definition: Blow ye the cornet in Gibeah, [and] the trumpet in Ramah: cry aloud [at] Bethaven, after thee, O Benjamin.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Hosea 5:8. It’s a really interesting and complex passage with layers of meaning, but I’ll try to explain it in a way that’s easy to understand. Here's the gist: This verse is from the book of Hosea, which is part of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). It describes a specific ritual and a warning about someone named Benjamin. Basically, it's a very strict set of instructions for how to handle a particular situation involving a musician or performer. Let’s unpack it word by word: “Hosea 5:8” : This is the title of the passage – it's from Hosea’s book. “Blow ye the cornet in Gibeah…” : First, let’s understand what "cornet" is. It's a type of musical instrument – like a flute or trumpet. “Gibeah” is a term used for a specific area within Jerusalem that was a boundary and often a place of activity for musicians and performers. It’s a complicated area with specific rules. “…and [and] the trumpet in Ramah…” : This continues to describe the action – blowing a horn (cornet) and playing a trumpet. “Ramah” is another name for a particular location within Jerusalem, also linked to musicians and performers. “Cry aloud at Bethaven…” : This is the crucial part. "Bethaven" refers to a specific house or area in Jerusalem. It's where Benjamin (the person being addressed) was supposed to be playing his instrument. The verse instructs him to “cry aloud” – to loudly and emphatically proclaim something. “After thee, O Benjamin.” This is the final instruction. It’s directed specifically at Benjamin. Putting it all together - What's the message? The verse essentially says: "Benjamin, you must perform this specific task – play your instrument – loudly and emphatically in the area of Gibeah, and particularly in the area of Bethaven. Do this with a sense of urgency and importance." What does it mean on a deeper level? This isn't just about music. It’s about: Justice & Accountability: The verse points to a situation where Benjamin is being held accountable for something – perhaps he was involved in wrongdoing or misbehavior. Order and Ritual: The rules of Gibeah were incredibly important for maintaining order and ritualistic purity in Jerusalem. This verse highlights the importance of following established procedures and responsibilities. Warning & Pressure: The "cry aloud" instruction is a powerful warning. It suggests that Benjamin needs to be aware of what’s expected of him, and that there's significant consequence if he fails to comply. In short, this verse is a demanding command from Hosea, emphasizing the importance of responsibility, accountability, and ritual following within a specific context. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Give you some historical context about the times the verse was written? Discuss what this passage might be conveying about Hosea’s perspective on Benjamin or the situation he's describing?