Definition: But, O LORD of hosts, that triest the righteous, [and] seest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I opened my cause.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 20:12. It’s a really powerful and dramatic plea from a man facing immense pressure. Here's what it essentially means in simpler terms: The Core Situation: “But, O LORD of hosts…” : This is a huge, intense declaration of respect and desperation. The speaker is addressing God as if He were the most powerful being imaginable. “…that triest the righteous…” : "Triest" means to test or try someone. This phrase highlights that the speaker believes he’s facing a serious trial – someone who is truly good, just, and right. “[and] seest the reins and the heart...” : This is where it gets really intense. “Reins” refers to his conscience – his moral compass. "Heart" means his emotions, particularly his feelings and motivations. He’s saying God is seeing his inner turmoil and struggles. “Let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I opened my cause.” : This is the most crucial part. The speaker is begging God to show Him what will happen to those who are being judged by him. He’s asking for a judgment – a punishment – that he understands is coming. He's essentially saying, "I understand this is going to be terrible, and I desperately want to know how it will end." Putting It All Together - A Summary of the Message: The verse expresses a man who is overwhelmed by guilt and fear about his actions. He’s admitting he’s being judged – perhaps for a sin he believes he's committed – and he’s begging God to reveal the consequences. He wants to know what will happen to those who are facing this judgment. Possible Interpretations (it's not always straightforward): Guilt & Shame: The verse often speaks to deep-seated guilt and shame, where the speaker feels responsible for something terrible happening to others. Justice & Punishment: It can represent a sense of being unfairly treated or punished, and the speaker is seeking justice. Divine Justice: It's a plea for God’s righteous judgment, emphasizing that He will deliver what is right. Important Note: This verse is very poetic and symbolic. It’s not meant to be taken literally as a straightforward account of a specific event. It’s about the speaker’s emotional state and his desperate desire for understanding. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Talk about the context of this passage in the Bible? Explore a possible interpretation of the verse within its historical setting?