Definition: Then will I cause to cease from the cities of Judah, and from the streets of Jerusalem, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride: for the land shall be desolate.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse together. It’s a really powerful and sobering passage from the Old Testament. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes a terrible vision of the future – a time when Israel (the nation of Judah) will be plagued by sadness, joy, celebration, and ultimately, ruin. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Then will I cause to cease from…” : This is a dramatic way of saying "God will stop." It's not just about stopping doing things; it means stopping the positive energy and joy that usually fills the land. “…the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride…” : This is where the imagery really comes in. Mirth: This refers to laughter, celebrations, and general merriment. The Bridegroom: Think of it like a metaphor for God – He’s bringing about a new era, a change, and a restoration. The Bride: This represents the coming Messiah (Jesus) or a future hope for Israel. “…for the land shall be desolate.” : This is the result of all this stopping. The land – meaning the entire region of Judah – will become barren, lifeless, and empty. It's a picture of destruction and ruin. What does it mean in bigger picture terms? This verse speaks to a period of intense rebellion and idolatry against God. The Israelites were obsessed with their own pleasures and celebrations instead of worshipping Him. God’s plan was for them to be a blessing, but they chose to disobey him, leading to a time of great suffering and loss. Important Note: It's crucial to understand this verse in context. It was written during a very difficult time in Israel's history. It's a warning about the dangers of spiritual apathy and focusing on things that don’t honor God. --- Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/Jeremiah%207%2C34](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/Jeremiah%207%2C34) Wikipedia - Jeremiah 7:34: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremiah_7:34](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremiah_7:34) Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Discuss the significance of this verse within the larger story of Israel’s history?