Definition: Therefore I will bewail with the weeping of Jazer the vine of Sibmah: I will water thee with my tears, O Heshbon, and Elealeh: for the shouting for thy summer fruits and for thy harvest is fallen.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Isaiah 16:9. It’s a really beautiful and poignant verse that speaks to God’s deep concern for Israel. Here’s a breakdown in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes God’s feelings when he sees the Israelites struggling – specifically, they're experiencing a period of hardship and not producing enough food (their “summer fruits” and harvest). It’s a moment of deep sadness and worry. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Isaiah 16:9 Therefore I will bewail with the weeping of Jazer the vine of Sibmah…” – This is key! "Jazer the vine of Sibmah" refers to a specific branch of the olive tree in the Garden of Lebanon. It's a very significant location in Jewish tradition. “Bewail” means to mourn or lament deeply. “…I will water thee with my tears, O Heshbon, and Elealeh: for the shouting for thy summer fruits and for thy harvest is fallen.” – This is the core of the verse. "Water thee with my tears..." - This isn't just a gentle sprinkle; it’s a lot of tears. It suggests God is feeling overwhelmed by the suffering he sees. “O Heshbon” – This refers to Heshbon, the donkey keeper, who was responsible for protecting the harvest. "and Elealeh" - This refers to the olive trees themselves. "...for the shouting for thy summer fruits and for thy harvest is fallen." - This is the reason for the tears. The Israelites are not producing enough food. They're "shouting" – meaning they’re complaining, lamenting, and expressing their frustration. The “harvest is fallen” means the crops have failed. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: This verse paints a picture of God feeling deeply saddened by the Israelites’ struggles. It’s a moment of immense sorrow and concern for their well-being. It's not just about not having enough food; it’s about the frustration and pain caused by that lack. It also speaks to God’s love for his people, acknowledging their suffering and expressing his care through his tears. Why is this important? This passage is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of events leading up to the Babylonian exile (the Israelites' removal from their land). It highlights God’s concern for his people and their future. It also emphasizes that even when things seem hopeless, God remains involved and compassionate. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Connect this verse to a specific biblical story or event? Give you a different perspective on the meaning of the verse?