Definition: Behold the voice of the cry of the daughter of my people because of them that dwell in a far country: [Is] not the LORD in Zion? [is] not her king in her? Why have they provoked me to anger with their graven images, [and] with strange vanities?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 8:19. It’s a really powerful and complex passage that speaks about God's anger and the actions of people against him. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where God is deeply upset because people are creating and worshipping images (graven images) and strange, unusual practices – “vanities” – that he considers to be disrespectful to him. It’s essentially a confrontation with idolatry, which is the worship of anything other than God. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Jeremiah 8:19 Behold the voice of the cry of the daughter of my people…” – This refers to Jeremiah, a prophet who was experiencing intense distress and feeling like God was punishing Zion (Jerusalem). The "daughter of my people" is a metaphorical reference to Israel. The “voice” part suggests a powerful, emotional outpouring of grief and anger from the people. “…because of them that dwell in a far country…” – This highlights that this isn't just happening here in Jerusalem; it’s happening to all Israelites, those who have left Zion and wandered in the wilderness. It emphasizes that the problem is widespread. “[Is] not the LORD in Zion?” - This is a direct question: Is God still watching over and concerned with Zion? “[is] not her king in her?” – This adds another layer of complaint. The people are defying God’s authority and his rule over them. They're refusing to recognize him as the ultimate ruler. “Why have they provoked me to anger with their graven images, [and] with strange vanities?” – This is the core of the problem. The people are creating and worshiping images – "graven images" - and practicing strange, unusual customs ("vanities"). These practices are disrespectful to God and go against his laws and will. What’s the Big Picture? Jeremiah 8:19 is a warning about idolatry – the worship of idols or false gods. It's a message that God is serious about protecting his people and establishing himself as their supreme ruler. The verse highlights a shift in focus from honoring God through righteous living to worshipping images and strange practices, which are seen as being out of line with God’s will. Important Context: This passage comes before Jeremiah's prophecy that describes the destruction of Jerusalem. It shows that God is actively intervening in human affairs and punishing those who disobey him. --- To help me explain it even better for you , could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand about this verse? (e.g., Are you struggling with a specific concept?) Are there any particular parts that are confusing you?