Jerusalem’s punishment had reached its end; the exile would not last forever. But God would still punish Edom for her sins."Chapter 4 does not end with a prayer, as do the preceding chapters, but it is followed by a prayer-all of chapter 5." [Note: Jensen, p. 136.] read more
Zion’s former Glory contrasted with her present HumiliationIn this fourth dirge the poet describes the miseries of the various classes in the sack of Jerusalem, concluding with a warning to Edom. In structure, each alphabetic v. is composed of two rather than of three sub-divisions, the ideas and phrases balancing as in ordinary Hebrew poetry. This is considered the finest poetry of the book. The mourner speaks throughout.1-10. The terrible distress of the people and nobles.1. How is the gold... read more
(21) O daughter of Edom.—The triumph of Edom in the downfall of Zion was, as in Psalms 137:0, the crowning sorrow of the mourner. But with this sorrow there is a vision of judgment, which is also a vision of hope; the prophet returning to his favourite image of the wine-cup (Jeremiah 25:17). On the “Land of Uz” see Notes on Job 1:1, Jeremiah 25:20.Shalt make thyself naked.—See Note on Lamentations 1:8, and comp. Nahum 3:5 for a bolder form of the same image. read more
(22) Is accomplished.—The mourner shares in the Messianic hopes of Isaiah 40:2, and expresses it nearly in the same words.He will no more carry thee away.—Interpreted by later history, the words take their place in the list of unfulfilled prophecies, for, like all promises, they were dependent upon implied conditions, and in the rejection of the Christ by the Jews of His time there was a sin which involved a forfeiture of the blessing, and made the chastisement of a prolonged guilt necessary.... read more
THE DEBT OF GUILT EXTINGUISHEDLamentations 4:21-22ONE after another the vain hopes of the Jews melt in mists of sorrow. But just as the last of these flickering lights is disappearing a gleam of consolation breaks out from another quarter, like the pale yellow streak that may sometimes be seen low on the western sky of a stormy day just before nightfall, indicating that the setting sun is behind the clouds, although its dying rays are too feeble to penetrate them. Hope is scarcely the word for... read more
CHAPTER 4 The Departed Glory and the Cup of Shame This new lament begins with a description of the former glory of Zion and its present wretchedness; the glory is departed: How is the gold become dim! The most pure gold changed! The stones of the sanctuary are poured forth at the top of every street. The precious sons of Zion, just like fine gold-- How are they now esteemed like earthen pitchers: the work of the potters’ hands! Even the jackals draw out the breast, giving suck to their young--... read more
4:21 Rejoice and be glad, {n} O daughter of Edom, that dwellest in the land of Uz; the cup also shall pass through to thee: thou shalt be drunk, and shalt make thyself naked.(n) This is spoken by derision. read more
4:22 The punishment of thy iniquity is accomplished, O daughter of Zion; he {o} will no more carry thee away into captivity: he will visit thy iniquity, O daughter of Edom; he will disclose thy sins.(o) He comforts the Church because after seventy years their sorrows will have an end while the wicked would be tormented for ever. read more
The touching significance of this book lies in the fact that it is the disclosure of the love and sorrow of Jehovah for the very people He is chastening a sorrow wrought by the Spirit in the heart of Jeremiah. Compare Jeremiah 13:7 ; Matthew 23:36-38 ; and Romans 9:1-5 . Scofield Reference Bible As regards its external structure, the composition of the book, both as a whole and in its several parts, is so artistic, that anything like it can hardly be found in any other book of Holy Scriptures.... read more
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Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Lamentations 4:21-22
C. Hope following the siege 4:21-22 read more