Jeremiah 31:15

Afrikaans 2020 (Die Bybel 2020-vertaling)

So sê die Here: “'n Stem word gehoor in Rama, 'n treurlied, 'n bittere gehuil. Ragel huil oor haar kinders; sy weier om vertroos te word oor haar kinders, omdat hulle nie meer daar is nie.”

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Jeremiah tells us that the Lord says a voice was heard in Ramah, where Rachel is weeping for her children because they were taken away. The verse highlights the deep sorrow of a mother over the loss of her children.

Explained for Children

Imagine if someone took away your favorite toys, and you couldn't stop crying because you really loved them. That's how Rachel felt when her children were taken away. She couldn't stop crying because she loved them so much.

Historical Background

This verse was written by the prophet Jeremiah around 600 BCE. It describes a situation where the Israelites were being taken into exile, and the sorrow of Rachel, a symbol of the mother of the Israelite tribes, over the loss of her children to captivity.

Living It Out Today

In today's world, this verse can be applied to the deep grief experienced by parents who lose children to circumstances beyond their control, such as war, illness, or even abduction. It reminds us of the profound pain that can come from such loss.

Topics

• sorrow
• motherhood
• exile
• loss
• Jeremiah
• Rachel

Related Verses

• Genesis 35:16-19
• Matthew 2:18
• Hosea 11:1
• Micah 5:2
• Jeremiah 31:17

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Rachel in this verse?

Rachel was one of the matriarchs of the Israelites, and she is used here as a symbol of the sorrow of the Israelite people being taken into exile.

Why is Rachel weeping in Jeremiah 31:15?

Rachel is weeping because her children, the Israelites, are being taken away into exile, and she cannot stop grieving for them.

What does this verse tell us about the setting?

This verse tells us that the Israelites are being taken into exile, and it is a time of great sorrow for the people and their mothers.

How does this verse connect with the New Testament?

Matthew 2:18 uses this verse to describe the sorrow of the mothers in Bethlehem when their children were killed by Herod, showing a similar theme of maternal grief over lost children.