Lamentations 1:13

KJV

From above hath he sent fire into my bones, and it prevaileth against them: he hath spread a net for my feet, he hath turned me back: he hath made me desolate [and] faint all the day.

KJV (with Strong's)

From above {H4791} hath he sent {H7971} fire {H784} into my bones {H6106}, and it prevaileth {H7287} against them: he hath spread {H6566} a net {H7568} for my feet {H7272}, he hath turned {H7725} me back {H268}: he hath made {H5414} me desolate {H8074} and faint {H1739} all the day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"From on high, he sent down fire deep into my bones; he spread a net to catch my feet; he turned me back; he left me desolate, in misery all day long.

Berean Standard Bible

He sent fire from on high, and it overpowered my bones. He spread a net for my feet and turned me back. He made me desolate, faint all the day long.

American Standard Version

From on high hath he sent fire into my bones, and it prevaileth against them; He hath spread a net for my feet, he hath turned me back: He hath made me desolate and faint all the day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 1:13 powerfully articulates Jerusalem's profound suffering following its destruction, personified as a desolate woman. The verse employs vivid imagery of divine judgment, depicting God as actively inflicting intense internal pain ("fire into my bones"), ensnaring her movements ("spread a net for my feet"), and leaving her utterly helpless and exhausted ("made me desolate and faint all the day"). It is a raw cry of anguish, acknowledging the direct hand of God in the calamity as a consequence of the nation's sin, underscoring the pervasive and inescapable nature of the judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Lamentations 1:13 is situated within the first of five poetic laments, traditionally attributed to Jeremiah, which collectively mourn the catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BC. Chapter 1 specifically presents Jerusalem, often referred to as "Zion," as a widowed and desolate queen, weeping bitterly and abandoned by her allies. The preceding verses establish her overwhelming grief, her isolation, and the mockery she endures from her enemies. Verse 13 deepens this lament by directly attributing her suffering to divine action, emphasizing that the very source of her pain is God Himself, who has brought this calamity upon her as a righteous consequence of the people's covenant unfaithfulness. The verse is a continuation of Zion's direct address to God, articulating the depth of her physical and spiritual anguish.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Lamentations 1:13 is the devastating Babylonian siege and subsequent destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, an event meticulously recorded in historical books like [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem"). This cataclysmic event marked the end of the Kingdom of Judah, the destruction of the First Temple (the center of Israelite worship and national identity), and the forced exile of its people. Culturally, the loss of Jerusalem and the Temple was not merely a political or military defeat; it was a profound theological crisis. The people had believed in God's covenant with David and the inviolability of Zion, making the city's fall a shock that challenged their understanding of God's promises. The imagery of fire, nets, and desolation resonates with ancient Near Eastern laments and siege warfare, where cities were literally burned, their inhabitants trapped, and their lands laid waste. The personification of a city as a grieving woman was also a common literary trope in the region, amplifying the emotional impact of the tragedy.
* **Key Themes:** Lamentations 1:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, unequivocally stating that God is the agent of Jerusalem's suffering, sending "fire" and spreading a "net." This highlights the theological conviction that Israel's calamities were not random but a direct consequence of their persistent sin and rebellion against the Lord's covenant, as warned in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). The verse also underscores the theme of **Profound Suffering and Desolation**, depicting an internal, pervasive anguish ("fire into my bones") and utter helplessness ("net for my feet," "turned me back"). This speaks to the complete physical, emotional, and spiritual ruin experienced by the city and its inhabitants. Finally, it touches on the theme of **Sovereignty of God**, even in judgment, affirming that no suffering is outside of God's ultimate control and purpose, a difficult but necessary truth for the exiles to grapple with, paving the way for future hope and repentance, as seen later in [Lamentations 3:37-39](/lamentations/3-37-39 "Lamentations 3:37-39 - God's Sovereignty in Suffering").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fire (Hebrew, _ʼêsh'_):** This primitive word, often used literally for burning, here takes on a metaphorical sense. In the context of "fire into my bones," it signifies intense, consuming internal pain, anguish, or divine wrath that permeates the very core of one's being. It's not merely an external attack but a deep, pervasive suffering that feels like an internal combustion, leaving no part untouched.
* **Desolate (Hebrew, _shâmêm'_):** This primitive root means "to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy." When applied to Jerusalem, it conveys a state of utter ruin, emptiness, and abandonment. It describes a city that is not just destroyed physically but also spiritually and emotionally numb from the shock and trauma, left barren and without hope. The passive sense implies that this state has been inflicted upon her.
* **Faint (Hebrew, _dâveh'_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "to be sick (especially in menstruation)," denotes a state of weakness, sickness, or exhaustion. In Lamentations 1:13, it emphasizes the utter physical and emotional weariness that accompanies the desolation. Jerusalem is not just ruined but also utterly drained of strength, vitality, and hope, enduring this debilitating condition "all the day."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"From above hath he sent fire into my bones":** This clause immediately establishes the divine origin of the suffering. "From above" (H4791, _mârôwm_) points to God as the sender. The "fire" (H784, _ʼêsh_) is not literal burning but a powerful metaphor for intense, internal, and pervasive anguish that consumes the very "bones" (H6106, _ʻetsem_), the deepest part of one's being, often representing strength or core identity. It signifies a pain that is inescapable and deeply rooted.
* **"and it prevaileth against them":** The "fire" is not a fleeting sensation but a dominant force. The verb "prevaileth" (H7287, _râdâh_) implies a complete subjugation or dominion. The suffering is not merely present; it has conquered and overwhelmed Jerusalem, rendering her powerless against its consuming intensity.
* **"he hath spread a net for my feet":** This imagery shifts from internal pain to external entrapment. God, the active agent, has "spread" (H6566, _pâras_) a "net" (H7568, _resheth_) for Jerusalem's "feet" (H7272, _regel_). This vividly portrays a state of being ensnared, unable to move, escape, or find a way out of the dire situation. It speaks to utter helplessness and the thwarting of any attempt at recovery or flight.
* **"he hath turned me back":** This phrase reinforces the sense of being trapped and thwarted. "Turned me back" (H7725, _shûwb_ with H268, _ʼâchôwr_) signifies a reversal of progress, a forced retreat, or an inability to move forward. Any attempt by Jerusalem to advance, rebuild, or escape her predicament is actively hindered and reversed by God's hand, leaving her in a state of arrested development and despair.
* **"he hath made me desolate [and] faint all the day":** The culmination of God's actions is a state of profound ruin and exhaustion. "Desolate" (H8074, _shâmêm_) speaks of utter devastation and emptiness, while "faint" (H1739, _dâveh_) describes a deep physical and emotional weariness, a continuous draining of strength. The phrase "all the day" (H3117, _yôwm_) emphasizes the ceaseless, unrelenting nature of this suffering, indicating that there is no respite from the pain and despair.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 1:13 is rich in literary devices that amplify its emotional impact and theological depth. **Personification** is central, as Jerusalem is depicted as a suffering woman ("me," "my bones," "my feet"), allowing the audience to empathize deeply with the city's anguish. **Metaphor** is extensively used, particularly in "fire into my bones," which vividly conveys internal, consuming pain, and "spread a net for my feet," illustrating entrapment and helplessness. The "fire" also functions as **Symbolism**, representing divine wrath and judgment. The repeated use of "he hath" (referring to God) creates a sense of **Anaphora** (though not strictly at the beginning of every clause, it emphasizes the consistent divine agency), underscoring God's direct and active role in the suffering. The cumulative effect of these images—fire, net, turning back, desolation, faintness—creates a powerful sense of **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the suffering to convey its overwhelming and pervasive nature, ensuring the reader fully grasps the depth of Zion's despair.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 1:13 stands as a stark theological statement regarding divine judgment and the consequences of covenant disobedience. It unflinchingly portrays God not as a distant observer but as the active agent of Israel's suffering, a truth that, while painful, was essential for the people to grasp the gravity of their sin and the righteousness of God. This verse challenges any notion of an impotent or indifferent deity, instead presenting a God who, in His justice, holds His people accountable, even to the point of allowing their beloved city to be laid waste. Yet, within this severe judgment, there is an implicit call to repentance and a recognition that God's actions are purposeful, aiming to bring His people back into right relationship with Him. The pervasive nature of the suffering described also connects to the idea of a comprehensive judgment that touches every aspect of life, from physical well-being to national identity.

* [Jeremiah 20:9](/jeremiah/20-9 "Jeremiah 20:9 - God's Word Like Fire in Bones")
* [Psalm 35:7](/psalms/35-7 "Psalm 35:7 - Hidden Nets and Traps")
* [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Enduring Mercies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 1:13 offers a profound space for reflection on the nature of suffering, particularly when it feels divinely ordained or allowed. It acknowledges the raw, visceral pain that can accompany profound loss and consequences, whether from personal sin, collective failures, or simply living in a broken world. The imagery of fire in the bones and a net on the feet resonates with feelings of internal torment, being trapped, and utterly helpless. For believers, this verse reminds us that God's discipline, though painful, is always purposeful, aiming to refine, correct, and draw us closer to Him. It invites us to honestly lament our pain, even when we perceive God's hand in it, without denying the reality of our anguish. Yet, it also calls us to look beyond the immediate desolation to the character of God who, even in judgment, remains faithful and compassionate, ultimately offering hope and restoration to those who turn to Him in repentance and faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you reconcile the imagery of God sending "fire into my bones" and spreading a "net for my feet" with your understanding of God's love and mercy?**
* **In what areas of your life do you feel "desolate" or "faint all the day," and how might acknowledging God's sovereignty, even in difficult circumstances, change your perspective?**
* **What steps can you take to move from a place of feeling trapped and "turned back" to seeking God's guidance and hope for a way forward?**

### FAQ
**Does Lamentations 1:13 mean God directly causes all suffering?**

Answer: While Lamentations 1:13 explicitly states that God "sent fire" and "spread a net," attributing the suffering directly to Him, it's crucial to understand this within its biblical context. The Book of Lamentations is a response to the destruction of Jerusalem, which the prophets consistently interpreted as divine judgment for Israel's persistent idolatry and disobedience to the covenant (e.g., [Jeremiah 7](/jeremiah/7 "Jeremiah 7 - The Temple Sermon")). So, in this specific historical context, the suffering is presented as a direct consequence of the nation's sin, a form of righteous divine discipline. This does not mean God directly causes all suffering in the world; suffering can also arise from human sin, natural consequences, or the brokenness of creation (e.g., [Romans 8:22](/romans/8-22 "Romans 8:22 - Creation Groans")). However, it does affirm God's ultimate sovereignty over all circumstances, even those that bring pain, and His ability to use them for His redemptive purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamentations 1:13, with its raw depiction of pervasive suffering and divine judgment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in the direct infliction of suffering upon the innocent, but in the vicarious suffering of Jesus Christ. The "fire into my bones" and the feeling of being "desolate and faint all the day" resonate deeply with Christ's experience on the cross. On Calvary, Jesus, the innocent Lamb of God, bore the full weight of divine wrath and judgment for humanity's sin, a suffering so profound it led Him to cry out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (as recorded in [Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")). He was truly "made desolate" (a concept echoed in [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - He Was Despised")) and experienced an unparalleled spiritual faintness as He became sin for us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin")). The "net for my feet" and being "turned back" can be seen as foreshadowing Christ's voluntary submission to the path of suffering, where He allowed Himself to be entrapped by human wickedness and divine decree, not to be turned back from His mission but to accomplish salvation. Through His suffering, Christ absorbed the judgment due to us, offering redemption and hope to all who feel desolate and faint, promising that in Him, we find not condemnation but life and peace ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 30:30

My skin is black upon me, and my bones are burned with heat.

Habakkuk 3:16

¶ When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops.

Job 19:6

Know now that God hath overthrown me, and hath compassed me with his net.

Psalms 22:14

I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.

Ezekiel 17:20

And I will spread my net upon him, and he shall be taken in my snare, and I will bring him to Babylon, and will plead with him there for his trespass that he hath trespassed against me.

Psalms 66:11

Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins.

Hebrews 12:29

For our God [is] a consuming fire.