Lamentations 4:21,22

III. AN EXPECTATION REGARDING THE JUDGMENT Lamentations 4:21-22

TRANSLATION

(21) Rejoice and be glad, O daughter of Edom, who dwells in the land of Uz! But to You also shall the cup pass. You shall become drunk and make yourself naked. (22) The punishment of your iniquity is complete, O daughter of Zion! He will no more cause you to go into captivity! But your iniquity, O daughter of Edom, He will punish, He will uncover your sins.

COMMENTS

The nations of Edom and Judah were traditional enemies. During the western rebellion against Nebuchadnezzar in 589 B.C. Edom had remained loyal to the Chaldean king. When Jerusalem was going through her death throes Edom had acted in a most hostile and haughty way. Edom's sin began with indifference. She showed no concern over what was befalling her neighbor. From indifference Edom went on to rejoice over the destruction of the people of God. At some point the Edomites actually entered the weakened and helpless city of Jerusalem. They had reveled and caroused in the Temple mount. They had even helped the Chaldeans capture the poor fugitives who tried to escape the calamity of their nation (Obadiah 1:10-16). Ezekiel mentions that Edom tried to annex some of Judah's territory at this time (Ezekiel 35:10-12). This ancient enemy, Edom, is ironically urged to rejoice and sing i.e., to enjoy their moment of triumph. But their joy will be short-lived! The cup of divine wrath is about to pass to Edom. Jeremiah had prophesied that Edom along with most of the other nations of Syria-Palestine would have to taste of the cup of God's wrath through the hand of Nebuchadnezzar (Jeremiah 25:15-28). Edom is reminded that she must drink that dreaded cup till she becomes intoxicated and experiences shame, confusion, sorrow, and destruction. She will be stripped of all her power and glory (Lamentations 4:21).

Judah has been severely punished but her punishment is over. A ray of hope illuminates the darkness of Judah's present situation. For her a better day is dawning. Once she has returned from exile she will never again be carried away captive as a nation. The deliverance here predicted finds it fulfillment in the Messianic age when God granted salvation to His people, the New Israel, the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. Edom's future, on the other hand, is not so bright. Her sin is about to be punished (Lamentations 4:22), The last remnant of Edom perished during the revolt against Rome in the early years of the Christian era, A.D. 70-71.[442]

[442] Josephus, Jewish Wars IV. 5; v. 6. 1.