Definition: And they have not cried unto me with their heart, when they howled upon their beds: they assemble themselves for corn and wine, [and] they rebel against me.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Hosea 7:14. It’s a really powerful and sobering verse about rebellion and God’s judgment. Here's a simplified explanation: What it means in plain language: “They have not cried to me with their hearts, when they howled upon their beds – meaning they were restless and angry – but they assemble themselves for corn and wine, [and] they rebel against me.” Let’s unpack the parts: "They have not cried to me with their hearts..." : This is the key. It's not a plea for forgiveness or reconciliation. Instead, it speaks of intense anger and resentment before they do anything harmful. It suggests a deep-seated problem rooted in bitterness. "...when they howled upon their beds" : This paints a picture of intense agitation, perhaps even rage. "Howling" implies a loud, unrestrained outpouring of emotion – like someone is struggling with something overwhelming. "...but they assemble themselves for corn and wine..." : This is the action of rebellion. They're not just angry; they’re actively planning to do something wrong. “Corn and wine” are typically symbols of celebration, pleasure, and indulgence – things that often point towards wrongdoing. "...and they rebel against me." : Finally, it highlights the core issue: they’ve chosen a path of negativity and defiance toward God. They're actively rejecting his will and establishing a relationship based on conflict. What does this verse mean in terms of context? This passage is from Hosea, a book in the Old Testament that describes the relationship between God and Hosea, Israel’s leader. Hosea was deeply angry with his wife, Betsey, and expressed his displeasure through harsh words. This verse suggests that Hosea's anger stemmed from a fundamental problem - a lack of trust and a resistance to God's guidance. Overall Significance: The verse is a warning about the dangers of unresolved bitterness and rebellion against God. It’s a call to repentance – to change our hearts and seek reconciliation with him. It emphasizes that true peace and happiness come from a relationship built on trust, obedience, and love. --- To help me tailor this explanation further for you, could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand about this verse? (e.g., Are you trying to understand the message of forgiveness, or is it more about a specific situation?)