Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 22 - Verse 20

In this verse from the book of Jeremiah, the prophet is calling upon the people of Israel to go up to Lebanon and Bashan, two regions known for their abundance and prosperity. He instructs them to cry out and lift up their voices, as a sign of mourning and lamentation. The reason for this mourning is because all of their lovers, referring to their allies and nations they had alliances with, have been destroyed. This verse serves as a warning to the people of Israel that their trust in these alliances will not save them from the impending judgment that is to come. It highlights the futility of placing their trust in worldly powers and relationships, instead of turning to God for protection and salvation. Through this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is reminding the people of Israel of the consequences of their disobedience and urging them to repent and turn back to God before it is too late.

When examining the verse "Go up to Lebanon, and cry; and lift up thy voice in Bashan, and cry from the passages: for all thy lovers are destroyed," we can see a deep theological interpretation tied to the location and historical context. Lebanon was known for its tall and majestic cedar trees, symbolizing strength and prosperity. By being told to "cry" in Lebanon, the message may be emphasizing the need to lament and mourn over the destruction of something once strong and revered. Bashan, on the other hand, was a fertile area known for its abundance. The command to cry aloud here could underscore the loss of blessings and abundance that had been enjoyed. The mention of lovers being destroyed could be a metaphor for alliances or idols that the people had trusted in, only to be disappointed. The overall message seems to point towards a warning against relying on worldly sources of strength and security, as they are ultimately unreliable and will be destroyed.