Definition: Hast thou utterly rejected Judah? hath thy soul lothed Zion? why hast thou smitten us, and [there is] no healing for us? we looked for peace, and [there is] no good; and for the time of healing, and behold trouble!

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Jeremiah 14:19. It’s a really heavy and dramatic verse, and it’s important to understand what it’s saying. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Message: This verse is essentially a desperate plea from God to the people of Judah (a region in Israel) about their actions and how they've led to disaster. It says that Judah has completely rejected God and is actively causing trouble. Let's unpack it word by word: “Jeremiah 14:19” : This refers to a specific prophecy given by Jeremiah to King Josiah. “Hast thou utterly rejected Judah?” : This means Jeremiah is saying that Judah has completely abandoned God and turned away from him. It’s as if they've declared their opposition to the divine. “hath thy soul lothed Zion?” : This is a crucial part. “Zion” refers to Jerusalem, the city of David, and the holiest place in Judaism. The phrase "lothed" means to deliberately destroy or harm – it’s a very strong word suggesting deliberate wrongdoing. “why hast thou smitten us, and [there is] no healing for us?” : This is the heart of the problem. Jeremiah is asking why God has allowed this destruction and suffering to continue. The “[there is] no healing” part emphasizes that there's no hope for a positive outcome. “we looked for peace, and [there is] no good; and for the time of healing, and behold trouble!” : This paints a picture of immense hardship and impending doom. They had hoped for peace (a stable and prosperous future), but they've only found trouble – chaos, devastation, and suffering. “Behold” emphasizes that this isn’t just an accident or misunderstanding; it’s a deliberate act of defiance. Overall Interpretation: Jeremiah is expressing deep disappointment and anger towards Judah. He believes their actions have led to a period of immense suffering and destruction. The verse suggests a cycle of rebellion and punishment, where God is actively working against them. It's a warning about the consequences of rejecting God and prioritizing selfish desires over divine guidance. Important Context: This passage appears in the Old Testament, specifically in Jeremiah 14. It’s part of a larger narrative of judgment and repentance that precedes the Babylonian exile – the destruction of Jerusalem. --- Disclaimer: I'm an AI Chatbot and not a religious scholar. This explanation is based on biblical interpretations and should be understood as a general overview. Do you have any specific questions about this verse or want me to explain it in a different way? For example, would you like me to: Discuss the historical context of this passage? Explain the symbolism behind "Zion"? Compare this verse to other passages in the Bible?