Lamentations 2:4
Lamentations 2:4 in Multiple Translations
He has bent His bow like an enemy; His right hand is positioned. Like a foe He has killed all who were pleasing to the eye; He has poured out His wrath like fire on the tent of the Daughter of Zion.
He hath bent his bow like an enemy: he stood with his right hand as an adversary, and slew all that were pleasant to the eye in the tabernacle of the daughter of Zion: he poured out his fury like fire.
He hath bent his bow like an enemy, he hath stood with his right hand as an adversary, And hath slain all that were pleasant to the eye: In the tent of the daughter of Zion he hath poured out his wrath like fire.
His bow has been bent for the attack, he has taken his place with his hand ready, in his hate he has put to death all who were pleasing to the eye: on the tent of the daughter of Zion he has let loose his passion like fire.
He has fired arrows from his bow as if he were their enemy; he has used his power against them like an attacker. He has killed all the beloved children; he has poured out his anger like fire on the tent of the Daughter of Zion.
He hath bent his bowe like an enemie: his right hand was stretched vp as an aduersarie, and slewe al that was pleasant to the eye in the tabernacle of the daughter of Zion: he powred out his wrath like fire.
He hath trodden His bow as an enemy, Stood hath His right hand as an adversary, And He slayeth all the desirable ones of the eye, In the tent of the daughter of Zion, He hath poured out as fire His fury.
He has bent his bow like an enemy. He has stood with his right hand as an adversary. He has killed all that were pleasant to the eye. In the tent of the daughter of Zion, he has poured out his wrath like fire.
He hath bent his bow like an enemy: he stood with his right hand as an adversary, and slew all that were pleasant to the eye in the tabernacle of the daughter of Zion: he poured out his fury like fire.
Daleth. He hath bent his bow as an enemy, he hath fixed his right hand as an adversary: and he hath killed all that was fair to behold in the tabernacle of the daughter of Sion, he hath poured out his indignation like fire.
He bent his bow to prepare to shoot us, his people, as though we were his enemies. He prepared to kill the people whom we love the most [MET], members of our own families. He is extremely angry [MTY] with us people of Jerusalem; his anger is like [SIM] a fire.
Berean Amplified Bible — Lamentations 2:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Lamentations 2:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
דָּרַ֨ךְ
קַשְׁתּ֜/וֹ
כְּ/אוֹיֵ֗ב
נִצָּ֤ב
יְמִינ/וֹ֙
כְּ/צָ֔ר
וַֽ/יַּהֲרֹ֔ג
כֹּ֖ל
מַחֲמַדֵּי
עָ֑יִן
בְּ/אֹ֨הֶל֙
בַּת
צִיּ֔וֹן
שָׁפַ֥ךְ
כָּ/אֵ֖שׁ
חֲמָתֽ/וֹ
דָּרַ֨ךְ
dârak
H1869
to tread
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
קַשְׁתּ֜/וֹ
qesheth
H7198
bow
N-fs | Suff
כְּ/אוֹיֵ֗ב
ʼôyêb
H341
enemy
Prep | V-Qal
נִצָּ֤ב
nâtsab
H5324
to stand
V-Niphal
יְמִינ/וֹ֙
yâmîyn
H3225
Ben]jamin
N-fs | Suff
כְּ/צָ֔ר
tsar
H6862
narrow
Prep | N-ms
וַֽ/יַּהֲרֹ֔ג
hârag
H2026
to kill
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כֹּ֖ל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
מַחֲמַדֵּי
machmâd
H4261
desire
N-mp
עָ֑יִן
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cs
בְּ/אֹ֨הֶל֙
ʼôhel
H168
tent
Prep | N-ms
בַּת
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fs
צִיּ֔וֹן
Tsîyôwn
H6726
Zion
N-proper
שָׁפַ֥ךְ
shâphak
H8210
to pour
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
כָּ/אֵ֖שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
Prep | N-cs
חֲמָתֽ/וֹ
chêmâh
H2534
rage
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Lamentations 2:4
דָּרַ֨ךְ
dârak
H1869
"to tread"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To tread means to walk or step on something, and is used in the Bible to describe various actions, such as treading a press or leading an army. In Exodus 15:6 and Psalm 60:12, the word is used to describe God's power and leadership, highlighting His ability to guide and direct His people.
Definition: 1) to tread, bend, lead, march 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tread, march, march forth 1a2) to tread on, tread upon 1a3) to tread (a press) 1a4) to tread (bend) a bow 1a5) archer, bow-benders (participle) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to tread, tread down 1b2) to tread (bend with the foot) a bow 1b3) to cause to go, lead, march, tread
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: archer, bend, come, draw, go (over), guide, lead (forth), thresh, tread (down), walk. See also: Numbers 24:17; Proverbs 4:11; Psalms 7:13.
קַשְׁתּ֜/וֹ
qesheth
H7198
"bow"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for bow refers to a weapon used for hunting or battle, but also symbolizes strength and is used to describe a rainbow. In the Bible, it appears in Genesis and other books. It represents power and beauty.
Definition: 1) bow 1a) bow (for hunting, battle) 1b) bowmen, archers 1c) bow (fig. of might) 1d) rainbow
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] arch(-er), [phrase] arrow, bow(-man, -shot). See also: Genesis 9:13; Psalms 44:7; Psalms 7:13.
כְּ/אוֹיֵ֗ב
ʼôyêb
H341
"enemy"
Prep | V-Qal
This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.
Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national
Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.
נִצָּ֤ב
nâtsab
H5324
"to stand"
V-Niphal
To stand or station oneself, either physically or as an appointed official. This word is used in various contexts, including setting up a monument or establishing a leader. It can also mean to stand firm or be established in a position.
Definition: 1) to stand, take one's stand, stand upright, be set (over), establish 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to station oneself, take one's stand 1a2) to stand, be stationed 1a3) to stand, take an upright position 1a4) to be stationed, be appointed 1a5) deputy, prefect, appointed, deputed (subst) 1a6) to stand firm 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to set up, erect 1b3) to cause to stand erect 1b4) to fix, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be fixed, be determined, be stationary
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: appointed, deputy, erect, establish, [idiom] Huzzah (by mistake for a proper name), lay, officer, pillar, present, rear up, set (over, up), settle, sharpen, establish, (make to) stand(-ing, still, up, upright), best state. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Samuel 15:12; Psalms 39:6.
יְמִינ/וֹ֙
yâmîyn
H3225
"Ben]jamin"
N-fs | Suff
Benjamin was a son of Israel and Rachel, and the brother of Joseph, mentioned in Genesis 35:18. The name also refers to the right hand or south direction.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.35.18; son of: Israel (H3478) and Rachel (H7354); brother of: Joseph (H3130); half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); father of: Bela (H1106A), Becher (H1071), Ashbel (H0788), Gera (H1617), Naaman (H5283), Ehi (H0278), Rosh (H7220), Muppim (H4649), Huppim (H2650H), Ard (H0714), Ahiram (H0297) and Jediael (H3043); also called Jamin at 1Sa.9.1,4; 22.7; 1x Another name of bin.ya.min (בִּנְיָמִין "Benjamin" H1144G)
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] left-handed, right (hand, side), south. See also: Genesis 13:9; Psalms 18:36; Psalms 16:8.
כְּ/צָ֔ר
tsar
H6862
"narrow"
Prep | N-ms
This word means hard or narrow, often referring to trouble or a tight spot, like an adversary or affliction. It can also mean a small stone or pebble, such as flint, and is used in various biblical contexts to describe challenges.
Definition: narrow, tight
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: adversary, afflicted(-tion), anguish, close, distress, enemy, flint, foe, narrow, small, sorrow, strait, tribulation, trouble. See also: Genesis 14:20; Psalms 89:24; Psalms 3:2.
וַֽ/יַּהֲרֹ֔ג
hârag
H2026
"to kill"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To kill or slay with intent, as seen in the Bible when God instructs the Israelites to destroy certain nations. This word is used in various forms, including to murder or destroy. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) to kill, slay, murder, destroy, murderer, slayer, out of hand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kill, slay 1a2) to destroy, ruin 1b) (Niphal) to be killed 1c) (Pual) to be killed, be slain
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: destroy, out of hand, kill, murder(-er), put to (death), make (slaughter), slay(-er), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:8; 2 Kings 8:12; Psalms 10:8.
כֹּ֖ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
מַחֲמַדֵּי
machmâd
H4261
"desire"
N-mp
A delight or object of affection, this word describes something desirable, as seen in KJV translations as beloved or pleasant things. It represents a cherished or lovely thing.
Definition: desire, desirable thing, pleasant thing
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: beloved, desire, goodly, lovely, pleasant (thing). See also: 1 Kings 20:6; Lamentations 2:4; Isaiah 64:10.
עָ֑יִן
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cs
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
בְּ/אֹ֨הֶל֙
ʼôhel
H168
"tent"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.
Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)
Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.
בַּת
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
צִיּ֔וֹן
Tsîyôwn
H6726
"Zion"
N-proper
Zion refers to a mountain in Jerusalem, often used as another name for the city, especially in prophetic books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.
Definition: Zion = "parched place" another name for Jerusalem especially in the prophetic books Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: Zion. See also: 2 Samuel 5:7; Isaiah 49:14; Psalms 2:6.
שָׁפַ֥ךְ
shâphak
H8210
"to pour"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To pour or spill something out, like blood or a liquid. In the Bible, it can mean to shed blood or to pour out one's heart in prayer or complaint. For example, in Psalm 42:4, the writer pours out his soul to God.
Definition: : pour 1) to pour, pour out, spill 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pour, pour out 1a2) to shed (blood) 1a3) to pour out (anger or heart) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be poured out, be shed 1c) (Pual) to be poured out, be shed 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to be poured out 1d2) to pour out oneself
Usage: Occurs in 111 OT verses. KJV: cast (up), gush out, pour (out), shed(-der, out), slip. See also: Genesis 9:6; Jeremiah 6:6; Psalms 22:15.
כָּ/אֵ֖שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
Prep | N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
חֲמָתֽ/וֹ
chêmâh
H2534
"rage"
N-fs | Suff
This word means intense anger or rage, like a burning fire. It's used in the Bible to describe God's wrath and human anger, often warning against the dangers of unchecked emotions. In Proverbs and Psalms, it cautions against the destructive power of anger and rage.
Definition: 1) heat, rage, hot displeasure, indignation, anger, wrath, poison, bottles 1a) heat 1a1) fever 1a2) venom, poison (fig.) 1b) burning anger, rage Aramaic equivalent: che.ma (חֱמָא "rage" H2528)
Usage: Occurs in 117 OT verses. KJV: anger, bottles, hot displeasure, furious(-ly, -ry), heat, indignation, poison, rage, wrath(-ful). See H2529 (חֶמְאָה). See also: Genesis 27:44; Isaiah 63:5; Psalms 6:2.
Study Notes — Lamentations 2:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Lamentations 2:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 2:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 2:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 2:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 2:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 2:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 2:4
- Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 2:4
- Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 2:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 2:4
- Sermons on Lamentations 2:4
Context — God’s Anger over Jerusalem
2Without pity the Lord has swallowed up all the dwellings of Jacob. In His wrath He has demolished the fortified cities of the Daughter of Judah. He brought to the ground and defiled her kingdom and its princes.
3In fierce anger He has cut off every horn of Israel and withdrawn His right hand at the approach of the enemy. He has burned in Jacob like a flaming fire that consumes everything around it.
4He has bent His bow like an enemy; His right hand is positioned. Like a foe He has killed all who were pleasing to the eye; He has poured out His wrath like fire on the tent of the Daughter of Zion.
5The Lord is like an enemy; He has swallowed up Israel. He has swallowed up all her palaces and destroyed her strongholds. He has multiplied mourning and lamentation for the Daughter of Judah. 6He has laid waste His tabernacle like a garden booth; He has destroyed His place of meeting. The LORD has made Zion forget her appointed feasts and Sabbaths. In His fierce anger He has despised both king and priest.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 7:20 | Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, My anger and My fury will be poured out on this place, on man and beast, on the trees of the field and the produce of the land, and it will burn and not be extinguished. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 21:5 | And I Myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand and a mighty arm, with anger, fury, and great wrath. |
| 3 | Lamentations 3:12–13 | He bent His bow and set me as the target for His arrow. He pierced my kidneys with His arrows. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 24:25 | And you, son of man, know that on the day I take away their stronghold, their pride and joy—the desire of their eyes which uplifted their souls—and their sons and daughters as well, |
| 5 | Isaiah 42:25 | So He poured out on them His furious anger and the fierceness of battle. It enveloped them in flames, but they did not understand; it consumed them, but they did not take it to heart. |
| 6 | Job 6:4 | For the arrows of the Almighty have pierced me; my spirit drinks in their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 30:14 | All your lovers have forgotten you; they no longer seek you, for I have struck you as an enemy would, with the discipline of someone cruel, because of your great iniquity and your numerous sins. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 4:4 | Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and remove the foreskins of your hearts, O men of Judah and people of Jerusalem. Otherwise, My wrath will break out like fire and burn with no one to extinguish it, because of your evil deeds.” |
| 9 | Lamentations 2:5 | The Lord is like an enemy; He has swallowed up Israel. He has swallowed up all her palaces and destroyed her strongholds. He has multiplied mourning and lamentation for the Daughter of Judah. |
| 10 | Job 16:12–14 | I was at ease, but He shattered me; He seized me by the neck and crushed me. He has set me up as His target; His archers surround me. He pierces my kidneys without mercy and spills my gall on the ground. He breaks me with wound upon wound; He rushes me like a mighty warrior. |
Lamentations 2:4 Summary
[This verse describes God's judgment on the nation of Israel, where He pours out His wrath like fire on the temple in Jerusalem, as also seen in 2 Chronicles 36:16 and Jeremiah 52:13. It's a sobering reminder of the severity of sin and the importance of seeking God's mercy and forgiveness, as encouraged in 1 John 1:9 and Psalm 51:17. God's actions may seem harsh, but they are a display of His holy justice, as explained in Romans 3:25-26 and Psalm 97:2. By understanding God's character and His response to sin, we can learn to trust in His goodness and seek His mercy, as described in Psalm 103:8-12 and Lamentations 3:22-23.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does God describe Himself as an enemy in Lamentations 2:4?
In this context, God is describing His actions as a judge, pouring out His wrath on the sinful nation of Israel, as also seen in Deuteronomy 32:4 and Isaiah 1:4-7. This is a display of His holy justice, not a change in His character as a loving God.
What does it mean that God has 'killed all who were pleasing to the eye'?
This phrase suggests that even the most beautiful and precious things in Israel were destroyed by God's judgment, much like the devastating judgments described in Ezekiel 20:13-24 and Jeremiah 6:30. This emphasizes the severity of God's wrath against sin.
How can we understand God's 'wrath' in this verse?
God's wrath is not like human anger, but rather a holy response to sin, as explained in Romans 1:18 and Psalm 7:11. It is a display of His justice and righteousness, and serves as a warning to turn from sin and seek His mercy, as seen in Jeremiah 31:9 and Joel 2:12-13.
What is the 'tent of the Daughter of Zion' in this verse?
The 'tent of the Daughter of Zion' refers to the temple in Jerusalem, which was the center of Israel's worship and spiritual life, as described in 1 Kings 8:1-9 and Psalm 132:13-14. God's judgment on this place emphasizes the severity of His wrath against the sins of His people.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how does it challenge or comfort me?
- How can I apply the concept of God's holy wrath to my own life, recognizing the severity of sin and the importance of repentance?
- What does it mean for me to 'please the eye' of God, and how can I cultivate a life that is pleasing to Him, as described in Colossians 1:10 and 1 Thessalonians 4:1?
- In what ways can I trust in God's goodness and mercy, even when faced with difficult circumstances or judgments, as encouraged in Psalm 23:4 and Romans 8:28?
Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 2:4
He hath bent his bow like an enemy,.... God sometimes appears as if he was an enemy to his people, when he is not, by his conduct and behaviour; by the dispensations of his providence they take him
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 2:4
He hath bent his bow like an enemy: he stood with his right hand as an adversary, and slew all that were pleasant to the eye in the tabernacle of the daughter of Zion: he poured out his fury like fire.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 2:4
That is, God (whom by their sins they had provoked and made their enemy) behaved himself as an enemy, bending his bow, and stretching out his right hand, and slew their young men and maidens, who were pleasant to look upon; and had brought judgments upon them like fire, which devours without any discrimination.
Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 2:4
Lamentations 2:4 He hath bent his bow like an enemy: he stood with his right hand as an adversary, and slew all [that were] pleasant to the eye in the tabernacle of the daughter of Zion: he poured out his fury like fire.Ver. 4. He hath bent his bow like an enemy.] He doth not only help the enemies, but himself fighteth against us with his own bare hand. He hath bent his bow, id est, vim suam ultricem, saith Origen; that is, his avenging force. So the poet feigneth that Apollo shot his deadly shafts into the camp of the Grecians. He stood with his right hand.] Heb., He was set. Vulgate, Firmavit dextram suam; he held his right hand steadily, that he might hit what he shot at. In the tabernacle of the daughter of Zion.] In Jerusalem, that was sweetly situated, as a tabernacle pitched in a pleasant plain, but now a field of blood. He hath poured out his wrath like fire,] i.e., Abundantly and most vehemently, perinde ac Aetna, Hecla, &c.
Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 2:4
(4) He stood with his right hand . . .—The point of the phrase is that the “right hand,” the natural symbol of divine power, which had been of old stretched forth to protect, was now seen shooting the arrows and wielding the sword of vengeance. Slew all that were pleasant . . .—Better, “Destroyed ail that was pleasant,” the destruction including not only warriors and youths, but everything dear and precious. The tabernacle . . .—Not the Temple, but the city itself as the habitation of the people, who are collectively represented as “the daughter of Zion.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 2:4
Verse 4. He hath bent his bow - he stood with his right hand] This is the attitude of the archer. He first bends his bow; then sets his arrow upon the string; and, lastly, placing his right hand on the lower end of the arrow, in connexion with the string, takes his aim, and prepares to let fly.
Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 2:4
4. Jehovah is likened to an archer (cp. Job 16:13), aiming His bow with deadly effect against the goodliest of the people. The metre is incomplete, a part of the third line having apparently been lost. We should (with Löhr) read as the second line, “And hath slain … daughter of Zion.” with his right hand] that which has hitherto been the symbol of His help.
Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 2:4
He stood with his right hand ... - i. e. that right hand so often stretched out to help now grasped a weapon ready for Judah’s destruction.
Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 2:4
4. His right hand as an adversary — That same “hand” which had been to them an instrument of help, and which is mentioned in the previous verse as withdrawn from their protection. In the tabernacle, etc.
Sermons on Lamentations 2:4
| Sermon | Description | |
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Consider the Lilies of the Field, How They Grow by A.B. Simpson | The preacher discusses the Greek word 'skopos,' which refers to a distant mark or goal that one aims to hit, emphasizing its importance as the first word in a Greek sentence. 'Skop |
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Casting Away All Confidence in Self by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of true worship and dependence on God, highlighting the need to cut off all confidence in oneself and to worship in the spirit. It delves into |
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Day 48, Galatians 1 by David Servant | David Servant delves into the letter of Galatians, written by Paul around 48 A.D., to address the unique problem of a distorted gospel that had surfaced among the churches. The ear |
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Trust Not in Man by George Fox | The preacher delves into the significance of circumcision in the Bible, emphasizing the transition from physical circumcision to spiritual circumcision, symbolizing a removal of si |
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I Was at Ease, and He Brake Me Asunder. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on the theme of divine intervention in our lives, using the metaphor of sparrows trapped in a vestry to illustrate how God sometimes disrupts our comfort for ou |