ZION’S PITIFUL ESTATE THE first half of this chapter is occupied with details connected with the ruthless overthrow and harrowing incidents in the conquest of Jerusalem. Distinct and vigorous expression is thereafter given to the intense conviction that the terrific disasters were traceable to the... [ Continue Reading ]
EXEGETICAL NOTES.— (א) Lamentations 4:1. HOW IS THE GOLD DIMMED. Not a mere diminution of its brightness, but a tarnishing which lowered the estimate of the ore. THE MOST PURE GOLD CHANGED; something more than an alteration in the appearance of the purified metal is observed. The alteration is not i... [ Continue Reading ]
EXEGETICAL NOTES.— (ג). Lamentations 4:3. Beasts of prey show affection for their brood. EVEN THE JACKALS DRAW OUT—present—THE BREAST; a familiar fact testifying that they were true to their instincts, THEY SUCKLE THEIR WHELPS; but in miserable contrariety to this, THE DAUGHTER OF MY PEOPLE HAS beco... [ Continue Reading ]
_HOMILETICS_ EXEGETICAL NOTES.— (כ) Lamentations 4:11 is a conclusion from the immediately preceding verses, as Lamentations 4:6 is from those preceding it. JEHOVAH HAS ACCOMPLISHED, _i.e.,_ has put forth a full measure of, HIS FURY; HAS POURED OUT THE FIERCENESS OF HIS ANGER, and one method of its... [ Continue Reading ]
EXEGETICAL NOTES.— (מ) Lamentations 4:13. It is needful to connect this verse with the last by words like, _This incredible thing came to pass,_ BECAUSE OF THE SINS OF HER PROPHETS, THE INIQUITIES OF HER PRIESTS—the position which these two classes assumed in the polity of Jerusalem is indicated in... [ Continue Reading ]
EXEGETICAL NOTES.— (ע) Lamentations 4:17 refers to the persons remaining in the city, who, notwithstanding that God’s righteous judgments had so afflicted prophets and priests, yet thought longingly of human defences; STILL OUR EYES FAILED [LOOKING] FOR VAIN HELP. This is explained in the succeedin... [ Continue Reading ]
EXEGETICAL NOTES.— (ש) Lamentations 4:21. _The children of Edom_ had exulted over the destruction of Jerusalem, and urgently culled for its completeness. They said, _Rase it, rate it, even to the foundations thereof_ (Psalms 137:7). Now they are addressed in bitter irony, REJOICE AND BE GLAD, DAUGH... [ Continue Reading ]