Lamentations 1:17 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Lamentations 1:12-22

The complaints here are, for substance, the same with those in the foregoing part of the chapter; but in these verses the prophet, in the name of the lamenting church, does more particularly acknowledge the hand of god in these calamities, and the righteousness of his hand.[ 47a5 /P] I. The church in distress here magnifies her affliction, and yet no more than there was cause for; her groaning was not heavier than her strokes. She appeals to all spectators: See if there be any sorrow like... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Lamentations 1:17

Zion spreadeth forth her hands ,.... Either as submitting to the conqueror, and imploring mercy; or rather as calling to her friends to help and relieve her. The Targum is, "Zion spreadeth out her hands through distress, as a woman spreads out her hands upon the seat to bring forth;' see Jeremiah 4:31 . Some render the words, "Zion breaks with her hands" F6 פרשה ציון בידיה "frangit Sion manibus suis", sub. "panem", Vatablus. ; that is, breaks bread; and Joseph Kimchi... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Lamentations 1:17

Zion spreadeth forth her hands - Extending the hands is the form in supplication. Jerusalem is as a menstruous woman - To whom none dared to approach, either to help or comfort, because of the law, Leviticus 15:19-27 . read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Lamentations 1:17

Verse 17 The Prophet first says that Jerusalem had expanded her hands, as a token of sorrow, or that she might seek friends from every side; for when we wish to move men to pity, we stretch forth our arms. I wonder how it came to the minds of some to say that Jerusalem had broken bread with her hands. This is extremely puerile. Some have rendered the words, that she had broken with her hands, understanding thereby that she had clapped with her hands. It is, however, a harsh mode of speaking; I... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Lamentations 1:12-22

The same subject; Jerusalem the speaker. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Lamentations 1:17

Again the poet passes into the tone of reflection, thus relieving the strain upon the feelings of the reader. Spreadeth forth her hands. The gesture of supplication and entreaty (comp. Psalms 28:2 ; Psalms 63:4 ; Isaiah 65:2 ). That his adversaries, etc.; rather, those who are about him are his adversaries. The neighbouring peoples, who ought to be sympathetic and friendly, gloat over the spectacle of his calamities. They both hate and (comp. Lamentations 1:8 ) despise the fallen... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Lamentations 1:17

Spreadeth forth her hands - In prayer Exodus 9:29, Exodus 9:33, but Zion entreats in vain. There is no one to comfort her - not God, for He is chastising her, nor man, for all the neighboring nations have become her enemies. See Lamentations 1:2.That his adversaries ... - Rather, that those round about him should be his adversaries; all the neighboring states should regard him with aversion.Jerusalem is ... - i. e. is become an abomination. The words are virtually the same as in Lamentations... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Lamentations 1:17

Lamentations 1:17. Zion spreadeth forth her hands She extendeth her hands as a suppliant praying for relief and consolation. And there is none to comfort her None who can, or are even inclined to do it. The Lord hath commanded, &c. That is, it came to pass by God’s command, that the surrounding nations were the adversaries of Jacob. We meet with a similar form of expression Psalms 68:11, The Lord gave the word, great was the company of those that published it. Jerusalem is as a... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Lamentations 1:1-22

THE FIVE POEMSDesolation in Jerusalem (1:1-22)Jerusalem, once a busy commercial city, is now empty. She is like a woman who has lost her husband, like a princess who has become a slave. The nations (her ‘lovers’) who she thought would help her have proved useless, some even treacherous (1:1-3).When Jerusalem’s hour of crisis came, all her leaders fled, leaving the people to be attacked, plundered and taken captive. Now that all the usual activities of daily life have ceased, there remain only... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Lamentations 1:17

Jacob. Referring to the natural seed. See notes on Genesis 32:28 ; Genesis 43:6 ; Genesis 45:26 , Genesis 45:28 . Compare Lamentations 2:1 . read more