Cut off thine hair, O Jerusalem, and cast it away, and take up a lamentation on high places; for the LORD hath rejected and forsaken the generation of his wrath.
Cut off your hair, Jerusalem, and throw it away, and cry out your grief on the hilltops; for the LORD has rejected and abandoned this generation that has earned his anger.
God is telling Jerusalem to mourn deeply because he has turned away from this generation due to their persistent disobedience.
📚 Historical Context
In the 7th century BC, the prophet Jeremiah was delivering God's messages to the people of Judah during a time of widespread idolatry, corruption, and social injustice, warning them of impending judgment and exile by the Babylonians. Cutting off hair was a common ancient Near Eastern ritual symbolizing deep mourning, shame, and repentance, often used in times of national crisis or divine punishment. This verse specifically addresses Jerusalem, calling for such acts of lamentation because God had rejected that generation for their persistent unfaithfulness.
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