Lamentations 5:18

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Lamentations 5:17-22

Here, I. The people of God express the deep concern they had for the ruins of the temple, more than for any other of their calamities; the interests of God's house lay nearer their hearts than those of their own (Lam. 5:17, 18): For this our heart is faint, and sinks under the load of its own heaviness; for these things our eyes are dim, and our sight is gone, as is usual in a deliquium, or fainting fit. ?It is because of the mountain of Zion, which is desolate, the holy mountain, and the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Lamentations 5:18

Because of the mountain of Zion, which is desolate ,.... Meaning either the city of Jerusalem in general, or the temple in particular, which both lay in ruins: but the latter gave the truly godly the greatest concern; that the seat of divine Majesty should be in such a condition; that the public exercises of religion should cease, and there be no more opportunities of waiting upon God, and worshipping him as heretofore; their civil interest, and the loss of that did not so much affect them... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Lamentations 5:18

The foxes walk upon it - Foxes are very numerous in Palestine, see on Judges 15:4 ; (note). It was usual among the Hebrews to consider all desolated land to be the resort of wild beasts; which is, in fact, the case every where when the inhabitants are removed from a country. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Lamentations 5:18

Verse 18 Though he had in general included all kinds of evils, he yet mentions now the principal cause of sorrow, that mount Sion had lost its beauty and its excellency. For that place had been chosen by God, as though he had descended there from heaven, that he might dwell there; and we know also that its beauty is spoken of in high terms. For there the face of God shone forth, as Moses and the Prophets often speak. It was then an extremely sad change, that as God had dwelt in mount Sion,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Lamentations 5:1-18

INSULT UPON INSULT HAS BEEN HEAPED UPON JERUSALEM . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Lamentations 5:17-18

These verses form a transition to the final appeal. The thought of the desolation of Zion overwhelms the spirit of the poet. But he will soon be able to lift himself up again when he recalls the sublime truth of the inviolable security of Israel's God. Foxes ; rather , jackals. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Lamentations 5:18

The foxes - Or, jackals. As these animals live among ruins, and shun the presence of man, it shows that Zion is laid waste and deserted. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Lamentations 5:17-18

Lamentations 5:17-18. For this our heart is faint And sinks under the load of its own heaviness. Our eyes are dim See on Lamentations 2:11. Our spirits fail us, and we are almost blind with weeping. Because of the mountain of Zion The holy mountain, and the temple built upon it. Nothing lies with so heavy a load upon the spirits of good people, as that which threatens the ruin of religion, or weakens the interest thereof: and it is a mark of our possessing saving grace, if we can appeal... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Lamentations 5:1-22

A prayer for mercy (5:1-22)This poem was apparently written in Judah some time after the fall of Jerusalem. Only the people of no use to Babylon were left in the land, and this poem reflects the hardships they faced (cf. Jeremiah 52:16).In a plea to God for mercy, the people remind him of their present shame (5:1). Death has broken up their families, and the invaders have taken over their houses and lands (2-3). They live and work like slaves in their own country, and have to buy water from... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Lamentations 5:18

foxes = jackals. read more

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