Definition: The young and the old lie on the ground in the streets: my virgins and my young men are fallen by the sword; thou hast slain [them] in the day of thine anger; thou hast killed, [and] not pitied.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Lamentations 2:21. It’s a really powerful and sad passage about a devastating event and a profound sense of loss. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: A Group of Virgins & Young Men Were Killed: The verse describes a scene where a group of young men, specifically virgins (women who were married and had a lot of responsibility) and young men, were brutally murdered. They Were Killed by the King’s Wrath: The king, who was previously kind and generous to the people, suddenly turned against them. He killed them with violence and without compassion. The King's Anger is the Cause: The key point is that this killing wasn’t a simple accident or misunderstanding. It was a direct result of the king’s anger and punishment – he was furious because of something that happened to these young men. What it Means in Simple Terms: Deep Sorrow & Loss: The verse expresses immense sorrow and grief for those who were lost. It's a heartbreaking image of devastation. Disrespect & Betrayal: It suggests a deep sense of disrespect and betrayal by the king. He was acting out of anger, which is incredibly hurtful to those he’s supposed to protect and care for. Punishment & Justice (Maybe): The phrase "not pitied" is crucial. It means the king didn't show any mercy or understanding – he simply killed them without compassion. It implies a sense of justice being served, but it’s also tinged with sadness because it highlights the unfairness of the situation. Overall Feeling: This verse evokes a strong feeling of sorrow, loss, and injustice. It speaks to the pain caused by anger and cruelty, and the idea that even those who are meant to be protected can suffer terribly when their lives are taken without compassion. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse is significant in the Bible? Discuss the context of Lamentations 2? (What was happening at the time?) Explore what the verse might mean for us today, considering themes of anger and forgiveness?