Lamentations 2:15

All that pass by clap [their] hands at thee; they hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, [saying, Is] this the city that [men] call The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth?

All that pass {H5674} by clap {H5606} their hands {H3709} at thee {H1870}; they hiss {H8319} and wag {H5128} their head {H7218} at the daughter {H1323} of Jerusalem {H3389}, saying, Is this the city {H5892} that men call {H559} The perfection {H3632} of beauty {H3308}, The joy {H4885} of the whole earth {H776}?

All who pass your way clap their hands at you, hissing and shaking their heads at the daughter of Yerushalayim: "This city was called 'perfection in beauty'? 'the joy of the whole earth'?"

All who pass by clap their hands at you in scorn. They hiss and shake their heads at the Daughter of Jerusalem: “Is this the city that was called the perfection of beauty, the joy of all the earth?”

All that pass by clap their hands at thee; They hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, saying, Is this the city that men called The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth?

Lamentations 2:15 (KJV) powerfully captures the utter devastation and public humiliation of Jerusalem after its destruction by the Babylonians. The verse vividly portrays the scorn of onlookers, highlighting the dramatic fall of a city once renowned for its splendor.

Context

The book of Lamentations is a collection of poetic laments written by Jeremiah, often called the "weeping prophet," in response to the siege and destruction of Jerusalem and its temple in 586 BC. Chapter 2 focuses on God's direct role in bringing about this judgment due to the persistent disobedience and idolatry of Judah. This particular verse describes the reaction of those passing by the ruined city, emphasizing the profound shock and derision at what Jerusalem had become.

Key Themes

  • Public Humiliation and Scorn: The actions of "clapping their hands," "hissing," and "wagging their head" are expressions of triumph, mockery, and utter contempt. Jerusalem, once a beacon, is now an object of public derision.
  • The Fall from Glory: The stark contrast between Jerusalem's former titles, "The perfection of beauty" and "The joy of the whole earth," and its current desolation is central. This highlights the severe consequences of turning away from God.
  • Consequences of Sin: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the entire book of Lamentations attributes Jerusalem's downfall to the nation's unfaithfulness to God's covenant. This public shame is a direct result of their spiritual decline.
  • God's Judgment: The devastation witnessed by passersby is ultimately understood as God's righteous judgment against His rebellious people.

Linguistic Insights

  • "All that pass by clap their hands at thee; they hiss and wag their head": These are ancient gestures of mockery, triumph over an enemy, and intense derision. Clapping hands could signify joy at an opponent's downfall, while hissing and wagging the head express contempt and disbelief.
  • "Daughter of Jerusalem": This is a common poetic personification of the city and its inhabitants, emphasizing its vulnerability and suffering.
  • "The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth": These epithets were once glorious descriptions of Jerusalem, particularly in relation to its status as the holy city and the dwelling place of God's presence. Psalm 48:2 similarly describes Mount Zion as "beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth." The question posed by the onlookers underscores their astonishment at how such a magnificent city could be reduced to ruins, a testament to the severity of God's judgment against disobedience.

Related Scriptures

The lament in this verse echoes the warnings given throughout the prophetic books regarding the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness. The devastation was a direct result of Judah's persistent sin and disobedience to God's covenant commands. The prophet Isaiah also foretold such desolation, describing Judah's land as "desolate" and cities "burned with fire" in Isaiah 1:7.

Practical Application

Lamentations 2:15 serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of spiritual decline and disobedience. For believers today, it highlights:

  1. The Seriousness of Sin: God is holy, and while He is gracious, He also justly judges unrighteousness.
  2. Humility in Prosperity: Those who are blessed should not become arrogant or forget their source of strength, lest they fall from grace and become an object of scorn.
  3. The Importance of Faithfulness: Just as Jerusalem's glory was tied to its relationship with God, our spiritual vitality and witness are contingent upon our faithfulness to Him.
  4. The Pain of Broken Covenant: When communities or individuals stray from God's path, the resulting pain and public shame can be profound, serving as a warning to others.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Jeremiah 18:16

    To make their land desolate, [and] a perpetual hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished, and wag his head.

  • Psalms 48:2

    Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, [is] mount Zion, [on] the sides of the north, the city of the great King.

  • Jeremiah 19:8

    And I will make this city desolate, and an hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished and hiss because of all the plagues thereof.

  • Ezekiel 25:6

    For thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast clapped [thine] hands, and stamped with the feet, and rejoiced in heart with all thy despite against the land of Israel;

  • Psalms 50:2

    Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined.

  • Zephaniah 2:15

    This [is] the rejoicing city that dwelt carelessly, that said in her heart, I [am], and [there is] none beside me: how is she become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in! every one that passeth by her shall hiss, [and] wag his hand.

  • Isaiah 37:22

    This [is] the word which the LORD hath spoken concerning him; The virgin, the daughter of Zion, hath despised thee, [and] laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee.

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