Definition: Even the sea monsters draw out the breast, they give suck to their young ones: the daughter of my people [is become] cruel, like the ostriches in the wilderness.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Lamentations 4:3. It's a really powerful and somewhat unsettling verse. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: What it says: “Even the sea monsters draw out the breast, they give suck to their young ones: the daughter of my people [is become] cruel, like the ostriches in the wilderness.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Even the sea monsters…” : This is a metaphorical way of saying something very bad happened. It refers to a massive and terrifying event – a violent storm that devastated the land. The “sea monsters” represent immense chaos, destruction, and suffering. “…draw out the breast…” : This is a really strange image. The "breast" isn't referring to a baby’s milk. Instead, it’s suggesting a massive outpouring of pain, grief, and sorrow. It implies that the storm caused an overwhelming amount of suffering – a loss of life, damage, and devastation. “…they give suck to their young ones…” : This is the core of the verse. "Suck" means to nourish, to provide care, and to protect. The “young ones” are likely referring to people – perhaps children or families – who were suffering greatly from the storm. It’s a painful image of those who have lost everything. “The daughter of my people [is become] cruel…” : This is where it gets really heavy. "Daughter of my people" is a very specific and emotional phrase in Lamentations. It means a member of the Jewish community, specifically a woman named Noa. The verse says that woman became cruel. This isn't just a simple mistake; she’s become truly destructive and unkind. “Like the ostriches in the wilderness.” : This is the most striking part. Ostriches are known for their aggressive, territorial behavior. The comparison to ostriches in the wilderness suggests a wild, uncontrolled, and dangerous nature. It means she’s become driven by anger, selfishness, and a lack of compassion. She's exhibiting a similar kind of fierce, unpleasant behavior as these animals. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: This verse paints a picture of profound sorrow and loss. It highlights that even in the midst of immense tragedy, there can be a devastating consequence – a person becoming cruel and destructive due to pain and suffering. It’s a warning against letting anger or bitterness fester and turn inward, leading to harm and negativity. Context is Key: Lamentations 4:3 comes after describing the devastation of the storm. It's a lament for the lost and grieving people. The verse emphasizes the reason for their suffering – a terrible event that caused immense pain. In essence, this verse speaks to the idea that even when things seem hopeless or overwhelming, we can still be vulnerable to negative emotions and actions. --- Would you like me to: Explain another part of the passage? Discuss the historical context of Lamentations 4:3?