Definition: The LORD is righteous; for I have rebelled against his commandment: hear, I pray you, all people, and behold my sorrow: my virgins and my young men are gone into captivity.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Lamentations 1:18. It’s a really powerful and sad piece of scripture. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: “The LORD is righteous” : This means the Lord God – who is seen as fair and just – feels bad about what happened. He’s not angry, but he recognizes that we’ve made mistakes. “For I have rebelled against his commandment” : This is the core of the problem. The speaker (we can assume it's a king or leader) has disobeyed God’s rules and directions. It’s like breaking a law – something that’s important to follow. “Hear, I pray you, all people…” : This is a plea for everyone to listen! It’s asking for forgiveness and understanding from others. “…and behold my sorrow” : The speaker is expressing deep sadness and regret. It's not just a simple mistake; it’s a significant loss – the disappearance of his virgins and young men. Putting it Together - What’s happening? The speaker has disobeyed God, and as a result, his followers have left. This is a big deal because: Virgins: These were young women who were given to him for companionship and protection. Young Men: These were young men who were also part of his group. The Overall Message: The verse conveys a sense of profound sorrow, regret, and the consequences of disobeying God’s will. It's a reminder that disobedience leads to loss and sadness. It highlights the importance of obeying God's rules, even when it’s difficult. In short, it’s a story about a leader who has broken a rule and is deeply saddened by the loss of his people. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of Lamentations 1:18 in more detail? Connect this verse to a specific biblical theme (like forgiveness, obedience, or repentance)?