1 How is the gold become dim! [how] is the most fine gold changed! the stones of the sanctuary are poured out in the top of every street.
2 The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, how are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter!
3 Even the sea monsters draw out the breast, they give suck to their young ones: the daughter of my people [is become] cruel, like the ostriches in the wilderness.
4 The tongue of the sucking child cleaveth to the roof of his mouth for thirst: the young children ask bread, [and] no man breaketh [it] unto them.
5 They that did feed delicately are desolate in the streets: they that were brought up in scarlet embrace dunghills.
6 For the punishment of the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the punishment of the sin of Sodom, that was overthrown as in a moment, and no hands stayed on her.
7 Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing [was] of sapphire:
8 Their visage is blacker than a coal; they are not known in the streets: their skin cleaveth to their bones; it is withered, it is become like a stick.
9 [They that be] slain with the sword are better than [they that be] slain with hunger: for these pine away, stricken through for [want of] the fruits of the field.
10 The hands of the pitiful women have sodden their own children: they were their meat in the destruction of the daughter of my people.
11 The LORD hath accomplished his fury; he hath poured out his fierce anger, and hath kindled a fire in Zion, and it hath devoured the foundations thereof.
12 The kings of the earth, and all the inhabitants of the world, would not have believed that the adversary and the enemy should have entered into the gates of Jerusalem.
13 For the sins of her prophets, [and] the iniquities of her priests, that have shed the blood of the just in the midst of her,
14 They have wandered [as] blind [men] in the streets, they have polluted themselves with blood, so that men could not touch their garments.
15 They cried unto them, Depart ye; [it is] unclean; depart, depart, touch not: when they fled away and wandered, they said among the heathen, They shall no more sojourn [there].
16 The anger of the LORD hath divided them; he will no more regard them: they respected not the persons of the priests, they favoured not the elders.
17 As for us, our eyes as yet failed for our vain help: in our watching we have watched for a nation [that] could not save [us].
18 They hunt our steps, that we cannot go in our streets: our end is near, our days are fulfilled; for our end is come.
19 Our persecutors are swifter than the eagles of the heaven: they pursued us upon the mountains, they laid wait for us in the wilderness.
20 The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the LORD, was taken in their pits, of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall live among the heathen.
21 Rejoice and be glad, O daughter of Edom, that dwellest in the land of Uz; the cup also shall pass through unto thee: thou shalt be drunken, and shalt make thyself naked.
22 The punishment of thine iniquity is accomplished, O daughter of Zion; he will no more carry thee away into captivity: he will visit thine iniquity, O daughter of Edom; he will discover thy sins.
Overview of Lamentations Chapter 4
Lamentations Chapter 4 reflects the profound sorrow and devastation experienced by the people of Jerusalem following the destruction of the city. This chapter offers a poignant depiction of the suffering, loss, and despair faced by the inhabitants, highlighting the consequences of sin and the severity of God’s judgment.
Thematic Elements
- Desolation and Despair: The chapter vividly portrays the desolation of Jerusalem, emphasizing the stark contrast between the city’s former glory and its current state of ruin.
- Divine Judgment: The text underscores the belief that the suffering experienced by the people is a direct result of their disobedience to God, serving as a reminder of the consequences of sin.
- Social Injustice: There is a focus on the suffering of the innocent, particularly children and the vulnerable, who bear the brunt of the calamity.
- Hope Amidst Suffering: Despite the overwhelming despair, there are glimpses of hope and the possibility of restoration, emphasizing the enduring nature of God’s mercy.
Structure and Literary Devices
- Acrostic Structure: The chapter follows an acrostic format, with each verse beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet, which adds a poetic quality and emphasizes the completeness of the lament.
- Imagery: Vivid imagery is employed to convey the depth of suffering, such as references to famine, starvation, and the degradation of societal norms.
- Contrast: The author contrasts the past prosperity of Jerusalem with its current state of despair, highlighting the drastic changes and the reasons behind them.
- Repetition: Repeated phrases and themes reinforce the emotional weight of the lament, creating a rhythm that underscores the intensity of grief.
Key Verses and Analysis
- Verse 1: “How the gold has lost its luster, the fine gold become dull!”
This verse symbolizes the loss of beauty and value in Jerusalem, representing the city’s former glory now tarnished by sin and destruction.
- Verse 4: “The tongue of the infant sticks to the roof of its mouth for thirst.”
This powerful image illustrates the extreme suffering of the most vulnerable, emphasizing the dire consequences of famine and neglect.
- Verse 6: “The punishment of my people is greater than that of Sodom.”
This comparison highlights the severity of Jerusalem’s punishment, suggesting that their sins were more grievous than those of Sodom, which faced divine destruction.
- Verse 9: “Those killed by the sword are better off than those who die of hunger.”
This stark statement reflects the desperation of the situation, where death by violence is seen as preferable to a slow, agonizing death from starvation.
Historical Context
Lamentations is traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah and is believed to have been written in the aftermath of the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem in 586 BCE. The chapter serves as a historical reflection on the catastrophic events that led to the fall of the city, providing insight into the collective grief and mourning of the Jewish people during this period of exile.
Theological Implications
- Understanding Sin and Consequences: The chapter serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the inevitable consequences that follow, reinforcing the idea of divine justice.
- God’s Sovereignty: Despite the overwhelming despair, the text acknowledges God’s sovereignty over the events, suggesting that even in suffering, there is a divine purpose at work.
- Hope for Restoration: The chapter, while filled with lament, also hints at the possibility of future restoration, reflecting the belief in God’s mercy and the hope for redemption.
Conclusion
Lamentations Chapter 4 is a profound expression of grief and loss, capturing the emotional and spiritual turmoil of a people in despair. Through its rich imagery, poetic structure, and theological reflections, the chapter serves as both a lament for the past and a call to recognize the consequences of sin, while also holding onto the hope for future restoration and divine mercy.
