Definition: For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will cause to cease out of this place in your eyes, and in your days, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Jeremiah 16:9. It's a really poetic and dramatic verse, and it’s packed with meaning! Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God’s displeasure with something happening in a specific place – likely a city or region – and he’s warning people to stop focusing on joy and celebration. Let's unpack the parts: “For thus saith the LORD of hosts…” : This immediately establishes that this isn't just a casual statement. It's coming from a powerful and significant figure – God himself speaking. “…the God of Israel…” : This clarifies who is saying these words - specifically, the leader of the Israelites in ancient times. “Behold, I will cause to cease out of this place in your eyes…” : This is the core of the warning. "Cease" means stop or halt. God is telling people to stop focusing on things that are causing unhappiness and joy. He’s saying he'll make it stop for them. “…and in your days…” : This is a crucial phrase – it means in the future . It’s not about something happening now ; it’s about something that will continue to be a problem. “the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride.” : This is where it gets really rich with imagery. Let's break down each part: “The voice of mirth…” : This refers to laughter, joy, celebrations, and lightheartedness. “The voice of gladness…” : This represents happiness, contentment, and peace. “The voice of the bridegroom…” : This is a very poetic image. The "bridegroom" is like a king who has come to take his bride away. It symbolizes a time of new beginnings and a joyful reunion. “The voice of the bride…” : This represents a time of joyous marriage, love, and fulfillment. So, what’s God saying? God is saying that he will stop people from celebrating and enjoying joy in this particular place. He's warning them to shift their focus away from these things and towards something more solemn – a period of hardship or sadness. It suggests that this “place” might be experiencing a significant problem, possibly related to pride, rebellion, or a lack of reverence. Overall Meaning: The verse is a powerful reminder that God’s presence is often associated with peace and tranquility. It’s urging people to consider the potential consequences of unrest and to seek a more restful and joyful future. --- To help me explain it even better for you, could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand about this verse? (e.g., Are you curious about its meaning in a specific context – like the story of Jeremiah?) Are there any particular aspects of the imagery that you'd like me to elaborate on?