Definition: My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at my very heart; my heart maketh a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 4:19. It's a really powerful and dramatic passage about God’s intense anger at something he perceives as wrong. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Jeremiah is writing to King Josiah, who is facing a terrible crisis – a devastating plague of locusts that has ravaged the land. Jeremiah is expressing his profound distress and worry about the situation. He's essentially saying, “This is unbearable! I am so upset and worried about this!” Let’s unpack the words: “My bowels, my bowels!” : This is a very strong expression of pain and distress. It means Jeremiah feels like his insides are churning with worry and horror. It's like he's experiencing an intense physical reaction to the situation. “I am pained at my very heart” : He’s not just feeling mildly upset; he’s experiencing a deep, emotional pain. “My heart maketh a noise in me” : This is key! His heart is actively beating with anxiety and worry – it's like a loud, persistent drumbeat of concern. It’s a very noticeable, uncomfortable sound. “I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard…” : This is the core of the verse. He's saying he can’t stay calm or be peaceful . The sound of the locusts has reached him – he’s been told about it – and his anxiety is overwhelming him. What does this mean in a bigger picture? This verse paints a vivid picture of God’s righteous anger. It suggests: God's Justice: Jeremiah is expressing that God is just and that He will not tolerate wrongdoing. Divine Judgment: The locusts represent something evil or harmful that God sees as a violation of His law. The sound of the trumpet signifies this impending judgment. His Concern for Israel: It’s also about God's concern for his people, particularly for Josiah and his kingdom. He is warning him to take action before it’s too late. In essence, Jeremiah is saying, "I've heard what you've told me, and it fills me with such profound sadness and fear that I can't find any peace." Important Note: The context of the verse is crucial. It's a moment of intense emotional distress for Jeremiah, highlighting his responsibility to warn Josiah about the impending disaster. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Discuss the meaning of this verse in more detail? Provide a parallel story or example relating to this idea?