Definition: Go up to Lebanon, and cry; and lift up thy voice in Bashan, and cry from the passages: for all thy lovers are destroyed.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 22:20. It's a really powerful and sad passage about a king who is deeply troubled by his own actions. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a king named Jeremiah who was incredibly angry and heartbroken because he had betrayed his people, specifically the Israelites, by speaking against them. He felt immense guilt and regret for his choices. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Jeremiah 22:20” : This is the name of the verse itself – it’s a specific section from the Book of Jeremiah. “Go up to Lebanon…” : This refers to a very remote and desolate area in the Middle East called Lebanon. It's a place of immense hardship, wildness, and suffering. Think of a barren landscape. “…and cry…” : This is the key part. Jeremiah was actively crying out – expressing his sorrow, remorse, and pain. He wasn’t silent; he was making loud, desperate cries. “And lift up thy voice in Bashan…” : Bashan is another region in the Middle East – a vast area of rocky hills and plains. “Lift up your voice” means to shout loudly and passionately. “…and cry from the passages…” : This emphasizes that his crying wasn’t just a feeling; it was a visible action - he was making these loud cries. The "passages" refers to specific places where he spoke out against the people. What does it mean in simpler terms? It means Jeremiah was deeply, profoundly sorry for what he had done. He felt immense guilt and remorse because he betrayed his people by speaking out against them. His sorrow was so intense that he couldn’t hold back – he had to express it through loud, desperate cries. Important Note: This verse is a very difficult one to understand because it describes a king's extreme emotional state. It highlights the potential for abuse of power and the importance of seeking forgiveness. Context & Significance (briefly): Jeremiah was a prophet who warned about the future and prophesied that this king, Jeremiah, would lead Israel into a terrible situation. This verse is part of a larger narrative in the Bible about the king’s downfall. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss the symbolism behind the imagery (like Lebanon and Bashan)? Connect this verse to other biblical stories or themes?