Definition: Thou hast heard my voice: hide not thine ear at my breathing, at my cry.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this powerful verse from Lamentations: “Thou hast heard my voice: hide not thine ear at my breathing, at my cry.” Here’s what it means in simpler terms: This is a really intense and desperate plea for someone to listen to God. It’s saying: "Thou hast heard my voice…" : The person who's speaking is acknowledging that God has spoken to them before, perhaps through a message, warning, or even just a feeling of something important. “…hide not thine ear at my breathing, at my cry.” : This is the core of the message. It means: "Don’t shut your ears off! Don't ignore what I’m saying! Don't turn away from me when I'm struggling or in pain!" It emphasizes that God demands attention and response. Putting it all together: This verse is a powerful expression of deep distress and a plea for someone to be receptive to God’s voice, even when things are difficult or painful. It suggests that the person needs to actively listen to God's guidance and not dismiss His presence. What does this verse tell us about God? It speaks to God’s: Presence: He is always with us, even in our darkest moments. Responsiveness: He doesn’t just sit by; he wants to be heard and acknowledged. Intensity: The feeling conveyed – “hide not thine ear” – highlights the gravity of the situation. Context & Why it's important: Lamentations is a book about suffering and loss. This verse appears after a significant tragedy or hardship. It’s a moment of intense emotional turmoil, but it’s also a call to remember God’s love and faithfulness amidst pain. --- Would you like me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the meaning of Lamentations in more detail? Give you some examples of how this verse might be used in modern life?