Definition: Cut off thine hair, [O Jerusalem], and cast [it] away, and take up a lamentation on high places; for the LORD hath rejected and forsaken the generation of his wrath.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 7:29. It’s a really powerful and difficult passage about God's feelings towards Jerusalem. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes God’s extreme anger at Jerusalem because of its wickedness – specifically, its lack of repentance. He’s saying that he’s completely rejected and abandoned the people in Jerusalem. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Jeremiah 7:29” : This refers to a specific prophecy written by Jeremiah, a prophet for God. It's a warning about what’s going to happen if Jerusalem doesn’t change its ways. “Cut off thine hair” : This is a very harsh image. It means to be severely punished or exiled. Think of it like losing your head – it signifies being stripped of everything important. “[O Jerusalem]” : This is a direct address, showing that the anger is focused on this city. “Cast it away” : This suggests a complete removal – it's not just about punishment; it’s about being banished from the land. “Take up a lamentation on high places” : This is the most crucial part. It means to spend time in deep sorrow, prayer, and reflection of God's anger. It's expressing profound sadness and remorse. “For the LORD hath rejected and forsaken the generation of his wrath.” This is the core message: “The LORD hath rejected…” : This means God has decided that he will not forgive or help Jerusalem. “And forsaken” : He’s abandoned them, leaving them to their own devices and problems. “The generation of his wrath” : "Wrath" refers to God's intense anger and punishment. “Generation” means the people – specifically, the Jewish people who were part of that generation. In simpler terms: Jeremiah is telling Jerusalem to understand that they’ve been deeply wrong and have not shown repentance. God is so angry with them that he has chosen to completely reject them, sending them into exile. It's a very serious statement about the consequences of sin and disobedience. Important Note: This verse is incredibly symbolic and doesn't necessarily mean that Jerusalem was actually abandoned. It’s a powerful expression of God’s judgment on a nation that has strayed from his path. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific event or historical context (like the Babylonian exile)? Discuss its significance within the Old Testament and its impact on Jewish thought?