Definition: All thine enemies have opened their mouth against thee: they hiss and gnash the teeth: they say, We have swallowed [her] up: certainly this [is] the day that we looked for; we have found, we have seen [it].

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Lamentations 2:16. It’s a really powerful and sad passage about suffering and loss. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Lamentations 2:16 tells us that after a terrible tragedy – perhaps the death of a beloved person or a significant event – the people who were experiencing this grief are filled with intense anger and fear. They're essentially saying, “We’ve been attacked! We’re being tormented!” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “All thine enemies have opened their mouth against thee…” : This means that everyone – everyone – who was causing trouble or harm to the person or group they were mourning – all of them – are actively attacking them. It's a broad statement of being relentlessly targeted. “…they hiss and gnash the teeth.” : This describes their reaction - they are yelling, complaining, and clenching their jaws in anger. It’s an expression of extreme frustration and pain. “They say, We have swallowed [her] up: certainly this [is] the day that we looked for; we have found, we have seen [it].” This is the most poignant part. The people are saying, “We have been swallowed! This is the day we were waiting for! We’ve finally found you! And we've seen you!” What does it mean? It means that despite all their efforts to hurt or anger them, they didn't succeed. They weren’t able to defeat the person or group causing trouble. Instead, they were met with a relentless and powerful response – a feeling of being overwhelmed and ultimately, defeated. It speaks to the idea that sometimes, even when we think we’re winning, we can be attacked in ways we don't expect. The Significance: This verse is a reminder of: The power of suffering: It shows how difficult times can feel incredibly overwhelming. God's protection: It suggests that God isn’t just passively allowing things to happen; He actively protects and defends us against harm. Hope in the face of despair: Even when we feel like all hope is lost, there’s a glimmer of something – a moment of recognition that we are not alone and that God is watching over us. In short, it's a story about being attacked and a powerful expression of faith. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific theme in the Bible (like forgiveness or perseverance)?