CHAPTER 4. A LAMENT CONCERNING THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM. This lament is noteworthy for its emphasis on the fact that the destruction of Jerusalem was due to the sins of the people. It draws attention to the way in which all classes had suffered. And it ends with the indication of judgment on Ed... [ Continue Reading ]
THE SAD CONDITION OF THE PEOPLE OF JERUSALEM DUE TO THE ANGER OF YHWH (LAMENTATIONS 4:1). Lamentations 4:1 (Aleph) How is the gold become dim! How is the most pure gold changed! The (precious) stones of the sanctuary are poured out, At the head of every street. What is in mind here are not the... [ Continue Reading ]
JERUSALEM'S PREDICAMENT WAS LARGELY DUE TO THE PRIESTS AND THE PROPHETS WHO WOULD SUFFER ACCORDINGLY (LAMENTATIONS 4:12). The prophet now draws attention to the fact of how much of Jerusalem's predicament could be laid at the feet of the priests and prophets, the very people who should have been gu... [ Continue Reading ]
THE AFTERMATH OF THE TAKING OF THE CITY (LAMENTATIONS 4:18). In vivid terms the prophet describes what followed the taking of the city. People cowered in their houses afraid to go out. For those who did found that they were hunted down by the enemy. Those who fled to the mountains, or into the wild... [ Continue Reading ]
EDOM ARE TO BE PUNISHED FOR THEIR PART IN JERUSALEM'S DOWNFALL AND FOR TAKING POSSESSION OF SOUTHERN JUDAH. WHILST THERE WAS HOPE IN THE FUTURE FOR ZION, THERE WOULD BE NONE FOR EDOM (LAMENTATIONS 4:21). Added to the trials through which Jerusalem and Judah was going as just described was the fact... [ Continue Reading ]