Definition: For of old time I have broken thy yoke, [and] burst thy bands; and thou saidst, I will not transgress; when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest, playing the harlot.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 2:20. It's a really powerful and complex passage about God’s anger and judgment. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse describes God’s immense frustration with Israel – specifically, with their behavior and the way they’ve been treating him and his people. He’s saying, “You have repeatedly broken my rules and boundaries, and you always seem to be wandering around, engaging in things that are inappropriate and disrespectful.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “For of old time…” : This sets the stage – it’s a long-standing pattern. “…I have broken thy yoke…” : This is a big one. “Yoke” in this context refers to God’s laws, rules, and commandments. He's saying he has repeatedly disobeyed them. It suggests a history of defiance and disregard. “[and] burst thy bands…” : This means he’s forcefully restraining Israel – stopping them from doing things that are against his will. It’s like someone is constantly pulling at their arms or legs, preventing them from moving freely. “Thou saidst, I will not transgress; when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest, playing the harlot.” : This is the most difficult part to understand without a deeper knowledge of biblical interpretation. Let's break it down further: "Upon every high hill and under every green tree..." : This paints a picture of Israel constantly wandering, behaving recklessly, and being out of control. It suggests they’re living in a state of constant chaos or transgression. "...playing the harlot." : This is the crucial part. “Playing the harlot” is a metaphor for engaging in frivolous, sensual, and often immoral behavior. It implies a lack of seriousness, devotion, and responsibility. It suggests they’re indulging in pleasure and distractions instead of focusing on God and his purpose. Overall Meaning: Jeremiah 2:20 is a warning about Israel's ongoing disobedience and their tendency to stray from the righteous path. God is incredibly disappointed with them because he has repeatedly set boundaries, but they continue to defy him. It’s a call for repentance and restoration – a plea for them to return to his will and live in accordance with his laws. Important Note: This verse isn't about a single incident. It's a chronic pattern of behavior that God is deeply troubled by. It speaks to the ongoing nature of their disobedience, not just a specific event. --- To help me explain this further and tailor it to your needs, could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand better about this verse? (e.g., its historical context, its significance for modern listeners, its theological meaning?) Are there any specific aspects of the verse that you'd like me to focus on?