Lamentations 1:18

KJV

The LORD is righteous; for I have rebelled against his commandment: hear, I pray you, all people, and behold my sorrow: my virgins and my young men are gone into captivity.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} is righteous {H6662}; for I have rebelled {H4784} against his commandment {H6310}: hear {H8085}, I pray you, all people {H5971}, and behold {H7200} my sorrow {H4341}: my virgins {H1330} and my young men {H970} are gone {H1980} into captivity {H7628}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"ADONAI is in the right, for I rebelled against his word. Listen, please, all you peoples; and see how I am in pain! My young women and my young men have gone into captivity.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD is righteous, for I have rebelled against His command. Listen, all you people; look upon my suffering. My young men and maidens have gone into captivity.

American Standard Version

Jehovah is righteous; for I have rebelled against his commandment: Hear, I pray you, all ye peoples, and behold my sorrow: My virgins and my young men are gone into captivity.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 1:18 captures Jerusalem, personified as a desolate woman, in a profound moment of theological confession amidst her utter destruction. Despite the overwhelming sorrow of her desolation and the captivity of her people, she unequivocally declares God's righteousness, acknowledging that her suffering is a just consequence of her rebellion against His divine commandments. This powerful lament transitions from self-condemnation to a poignant public plea for all people to witness and empathize with her deep anguish, particularly the tragic loss of her youth to exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Lamentations 1:18 is strategically placed within the opening chapter of a book entirely devoted to mourning the catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BC. Chapter 1 specifically employs the powerful literary device of personification, portraying Jerusalem as a desolate widow, weeping and abandoned, reflecting on her former glory and current humiliation. The preceding verses vividly detail her utter isolation, the triumph of her enemies, and the pervasive grief. This particular verse marks a crucial pivot, shifting the focus from merely lamenting the *effects* of judgment to a profound confession of the *cause*. By declaring God's righteousness and her own rebellion, Jerusalem establishes a critical theological foundation for the subsequent pleas for mercy and expressions of hope that unfold throughout the remainder of the book, serving as a pivotal moment of self-reflection and accountability in the midst of overwhelming grief.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Lamentations is the unparalleled catastrophe of the fall of Jerusalem to Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian forces. This event, which included the razing of the city, the destruction of the Solomon's Temple, and the mass deportation of a significant portion of the population—especially the elite, skilled laborers, and youth—to Babylon, shattered the national, religious, and social identity of Judah. For ancient Israel, this was not merely a military defeat but a profound theological crisis, challenging their understanding of God's covenant promises and His abiding presence among them. Culturally, lamentation was a recognized and structured form of expressing communal grief and appealing to God in times of national disaster, often involving public confession of sin and a desperate plea for restoration. The specific mention of "virgins and young men" being taken into captivity was particularly devastating, representing the decimation of the nation's future, its reproductive capacity, and its military and economic strength, a common and heart-wrenching motif in ancient Near Eastern laments over conquered cities.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes central to Lamentations and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Righteousness in Judgment**, where, even in the depths of unimaginable suffering, the speaker affirms God's just character and actions. This aligns with the consistent prophetic tradition that warned of severe consequences for covenant disobedience, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience"). Hand in hand with this is the crucial theme of **Confession of Sin and Rebellion**, highlighting that the calamity is not arbitrary but a direct and deserved result of Israel's persistent turning away from God's commands, echoing the long history of Israel's unfaithfulness documented in books such as [Judges](/judges/1 "The Book of Judges - Cycles of Disobedience and Deliverance") and [1 and 2 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Books of Kings - History of Israel's Monarchy"). The verse also vividly underscores the **Consequences of Disobedience**, portraying the profound human cost of national sin through the imagery of lost youth and forced captivity, a stark fulfillment of the curses outlined in the Mosaic covenant. Finally, the public plea, "hear, I pray you, all people, and behold my sorrow," introduces the theme of **Public Lament and Plea for Empathy**, inviting the broader world to witness and acknowledge the depth of Jerusalem's anguish, a common feature of ancient Near Eastern laments over fallen cities and a call for universal recognition of God's just dealings.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenant name of God (the Tetragrammaton), often translated as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah." It signifies the self-existent, eternal God who is faithful to His covenant promises, both in blessing and in judgment. The use of this specific name in the declaration "The LORD is righteous" is profoundly significant, emphasizing that it is the personal, covenant-keeping God of Israel who is acting justly, not some arbitrary or capricious deity. It grounds the subsequent confession of sin in the context of a relationship with a holy, sovereign, and righteous God who always acts in accordance with His revealed character.
* **righteous (Hebrew, _tsaddîyq'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to be just," "to be right," or "to be in the right," _tsaddîyq_ describes God's perfect integrity, moral uprightness, and unwavering faithfulness to His own character and covenant. When applied to God, it means His actions are always in accordance with His holy nature, His established laws, and His promises. In this context, Jerusalem's declaration that the LORD is _tsaddîyq_ is a profound theological statement of submission and acknowledgment. It means that even in the midst of devastating judgment and overwhelming suffering, God's character remains unimpeachable, and His actions are fully justified and morally sound.
* **rebelled (Hebrew, _mârâh'_):** This primitive root carries the core meaning "to be bitter" or "to be unpleasant," and figuratively, "to rebel," "to resist," or "to be disobedient." It implies a deliberate, stubborn, and often defiant act of disobedience against a legitimate authority, specifically God's commandments or will. The use of _mârâh_ here indicates that Jerusalem's sin was not merely an oversight, a weakness, or an accidental transgression, but a conscious, persistent, and often defiant rejection of God's revealed will and covenant stipulations. This highlights the volitional nature of sin and establishes a direct causal link between Israel's unfaithfulness and the bitter consequences she now experiences.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD is righteous;"**: This opening clause serves as a foundational theological affirmation. Despite the immense suffering, desolation, and apparent abandonment, Jerusalem, through the voice of the lamenter, unequivocally affirms God's character as just, fair, and morally upright. This is not a complaint against God but a profound acknowledgment that His actions, even in severe judgment, are consistent with His holy nature and His covenant faithfulness. It sets the stage for the subsequent confession of sin by establishing God's blamelessness and sovereignty.
* **"for I have rebelled against his commandment:"**: This clause provides the immediate and explicit justification for God's righteousness and the suffering experienced. The calamity that has befallen Jerusalem is directly attributed to her own deliberate and persistent disobedience. The "commandment" (Hebrew _peh_, literally "mouth" or "word") refers to the entirety of God's revealed will, the laws and stipulations of the Mosaic Covenant, which Israel had repeatedly and defiantly violated. This is a crucial admission of guilt, a profound act of self-accountability, and the necessary first step towards any hope of reconciliation.
* **"hear, I pray you, all people,"**: This is a direct address, a public and urgent plea for attention and witness. Jerusalem, in her agony, calls upon all nations, or perhaps all who would listen, to acknowledge her plight and the divine justice at play. It signifies the depth of her sorrow and her desire for universal recognition of the tragedy that has befallen her, perhaps also serving as a solemn warning to others about the consequences of rebellion against God.
* **"and behold my sorrow:"**: Following the call to "hear," this is an impassioned plea to "see," "perceive," or "understand" her anguish. The Hebrew word for "sorrow" (_makʼôb_) denotes deep anguish, pain, and affliction. Jerusalem desires her suffering to be fully witnessed, comprehended, and empathized with, not merely heard about. This emphasizes the visual, emotional, and visceral impact of her desolation and the profound human cost of her rebellion.
* **"my virgins and my young men are gone into captivity."**: This final clause provides the concrete, heartbreaking evidence of Jerusalem's "sorrow" and the devastating consequences of her sin. The loss of "virgins" (_bᵉthûwlâh_) and "young men" (_bâchûwr_) signifies the decimation of the future generation, the loss of national continuity, reproductive capacity, and the very strength and hope of the nation. It paints a vivid and agonizing picture of the devastating consequences of rebellion, highlighting the most vulnerable and vital segments of society being forcibly removed and enslaved.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 1:18 is rich in literary devices that amplify its emotional and theological impact. **Personification** is central and pervasive, as Jerusalem is portrayed as a desolate woman ("I," "my sorrow," "my virgins") who speaks, confesses, pleads, and experiences profound anguish. This allows the reader to connect deeply and empathetically with the city's suffering as if it were a living being. The verse employs a powerful **Juxtaposition** between God's perfect righteousness and Jerusalem's profound rebellion, starkly highlighting the contrast between divine holiness and human sin. The structure of the verse itself moves from a theological declaration to a personal confession, then to a public appeal, and finally to a concrete, heartbreaking depiction of suffering, creating a dramatic and emotionally resonant arc. The **Imagery** of "virgins and young men gone into captivity" is particularly poignant and evocative, conjuring a sense of lost innocence, broken futures, national emasculation, and the utter devastation of a generation. The direct address, "hear, I pray you, all people, and behold my sorrow," functions as an **Apostrophe**, a direct address to an absent or abstract entity (all people), drawing them into the lament and underscoring its universal appeal for witness, empathy, and recognition of God's just dealings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 1:18 offers a profound theological statement on the nature of divine justice and human accountability. It articulates the difficult but essential truth that God's judgments are not arbitrary acts of wrath but righteous responses to persistent rebellion against His revealed will and covenant. The confession "I have rebelled against his commandment" is a crucial step towards true repentance and potential restoration, acknowledging that genuine healing and reconciliation begin with self-awareness and an acceptance of responsibility for one's actions. This verse powerfully underscores the biblical principle that sin has devastating and far-reaching consequences, not only for individuals but for entire communities and nations. It affirms that God remains just, sovereign, and faithful to His word even in the midst of profound suffering and national catastrophe. It serves as a stark reminder that neglecting God's instructions inevitably leads to sorrow and loss, yet it also implicitly points towards the possibility of mercy that can only be found through acknowledging His righteousness and confessing one's sin.

* [Psalm 145:17](/psalms/145-17 "Psalm 145:17 - The LORD is Righteous in All His Ways")
* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience to the Covenant")
* [Nehemiah 9:33](/nehemiah/9-33 "Nehemiah 9:33 - Confession of God's Justice in Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 1:18 calls us to a profound humility and a radical self-examination when faced with suffering, whether personal or collective. Instead of immediately questioning God's goodness or fairness in times of trial, this verse challenges us to first look inward and honestly assess our own obedience to His commandments. It teaches us that true repentance begins with acknowledging God's inherent righteousness, even when His judgments are severe, and taking responsibility for our own rebellion. This posture of humility is not about self-flagellation but about aligning our perspective with divine truth, recognizing that God's ways are always just and His warnings are always for our ultimate good. For the believer, this means cultivating a heart that is quick to confess sin, understanding that such confession is the pathway to experiencing God's mercy and grace, and ultimately, to finding healing and restoration. It reminds us that the consequences of disobedience are real and painful, but God's justice is ultimately redemptive, designed to lead us back to Him in brokenness and renewed trust.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be subtly or overtly rebelling against God's clear commandments?**
* **How does acknowledging God's righteousness, even in difficult circumstances, change your perspective on suffering and personal responsibility?**
* **What does it mean to "behold your sorrow" in a way that invites empathy and understanding from others, while also acknowledging personal responsibility before God?**
* **How can a posture of sincere confession lead to deeper spiritual healing, freedom, and restoration in your life?**

### FAQ
**Why does Jerusalem declare "The LORD is righteous" even while suffering so greatly?**

Answer: This declaration is a profound theological statement reflecting a deep understanding of God's character and covenant. Despite the immense pain and devastation, Jerusalem acknowledges that her suffering is not arbitrary but a just consequence of her own persistent rebellion against God's commandments. It's an admission that God is faithful to His warnings and that His judgments are always righteous, even when they are severe. This confession is a crucial step towards repentance and hope for future restoration, as it places the blame squarely on human sin rather than on God's character, aligning the lamenter's perspective with divine truth.

**What is the significance of "my virgins and my young men are gone into captivity"?**

Answer: This phrase highlights the devastating human cost of the Babylonian exile and the profound sorrow it inflicted upon the nation. "Virgins" (representing purity, future generations, and the capacity for new life) and "young men" (representing strength, labor, military capacity, and the future workforce) together signify the decimation of the nation's future. Their capture means not just a loss of life or freedom, but the severe compromise of national continuity and the crushing of hope for the next generation. This imagery is designed to evoke deep empathy and underscore the absolute desolation of Jerusalem, illustrating the widespread and intergenerational impact of sin and judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamentations 1:18, with its profound confession of sin and acknowledgment of God's righteousness in judgment, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Jerusalem confesses, "I have rebelled against his commandment," highlighting humanity's universal problem of sin and disobedience, Christ perfectly embodied obedience, fulfilling the law and God's will where Israel and all humanity failed ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). The "sorrow" of Jerusalem, a direct consequence of sin, foreshadows the ultimate sorrow and suffering of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). On the cross, Jesus became the recipient of the righteous judgment that humanity deserved for its rebellion, bearing the full weight of God's wrath against sin ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His sacrifice, God's righteousness is not only displayed in judgment but also in His glorious provision of salvation, making it possible for sinful humanity to be declared righteous through faith in Christ ([Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25-26 "Romans 3:25-26 - God's Righteousness Through Faith in Christ")). The captivity of Jerusalem's youth points to humanity's spiritual bondage to sin and death, from which Christ delivers us, proclaiming freedom to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus Proclaims Freedom")). Thus, the lament of Jerusalem, while a cry of despair over deserved judgment, ultimately points to the greater hope found in Christ, who perfectly satisfied God's righteous demands and offers liberation from the consequences of our rebellion, ushering in a new covenant of grace and peace.

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

Psalms 119:75

¶ I know, O LORD, that thy judgments [are] right, and [that] thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.

1 Samuel 12:14

If ye will fear the LORD, and serve him, and obey his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall both ye and also the king that reigneth over you continue following the LORD your God:

1 Samuel 12:15

But if ye will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall the hand of the LORD be against you, as [it was] against your fathers.

Zephaniah 3:5

The just LORD [is] in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame.

Jeremiah 12:1

¶ Righteous [art] thou, O LORD, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of [thy] judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? [wherefore] are all they happy that deal very treacherously?

Lamentations 1:12

¶ [Is it] nothing to you, all ye that pass by? behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow, which is done unto me, wherewith the LORD hath afflicted [me] in the day of his fierce anger.

Nehemiah 9:33

Howbeit thou [art] just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly: