Definition: The Lord hath cast off his altar, he hath abhorred his sanctuary, he hath given up into the hand of the enemy the walls of her palaces; they have made a noise in the house of the LORD, as in the day of a solemn feast.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really powerful and evocative passage from Lamentations, which is part of the Book of Lamentations in the Old Testament. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a time when God was deeply grieved and angered by the Israelites’ lack of reverence and care for his sacred space – his temple. It’s like when you accidentally break something important – it really hurts! Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “The Lord hath cast off his altar…” : This means God is deeply disappointed with the way the Israelites have treated his presence and his sanctuary (a place of worship). It's like a sacred space that was meant to be honored. “…he hath abhorred his sanctuary…” : This is a strong statement – God is actively hateful towards his temple. It’s not just annoyed; it’s deeply offended. “He hath given up into the hand of the enemy…” : This is the most dramatic part. The Israelites were allowing their nation to be attacked and taken by enemies. It's like a powerful storm that destroys everything. “…the walls of her palaces…” : This refers to the magnificent, fortified city of Jerusalem – the center of Israel’s power and worship. It was a symbol of God’s presence and his protection. “They have made a noise in the house of the LORD…” : This isn't just a casual complaint. The verse describes a loud, unsettling sound – like a storm or an alarm – happening within the temple itself. It suggests that God was deeply troubled and felt exposed. So, what’s the message? The verse paints a picture of profound sorrow and loss. It's a story about a time when God felt abandoned and vulnerable. It’s a reminder that even the most powerful and revered figures can be humbled by sin and disrespect. In essence, it's a warning – don’t forget to honor your God! It highlights the importance of respecting sacred places and being mindful of what we are doing with our lives and our devotion to God. Does that make sense? Would you like me to explain any part in more detail or perhaps connect this verse to a specific story or theme from the Bible?