Lamentations 2:21

Lamentations 2:21 is a poignant cry of sorrow and despair, vividly describing the horrific scene in Jerusalem after its destruction by the Babylonians. The prophet, likely Jeremiah, laments the widespread death and suffering, emphasizing that even the most vulnerable—the young and the old, virgins and young men—were not spared from the sword, a direct consequence of God's severe judgment.

Context

This verse is situated in the second chapter of Lamentations, a book composed of five poetic laments mourning the catastrophic fall of Jerusalem to Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian army in 586 BC. Chapter 2 focuses on the Lord's direct involvement in the city's destruction, portraying it as a righteous act of divine wrath against His disobedient people. The prophet Jeremiah, traditionally believed to be the author, was an eyewitness to this devastation, and his deep anguish is palpable. The scene described in verse 21 reflects the brutal reality of conquest, where lives were indiscriminately taken, fulfilling the warnings given for generations regarding covenant disobedience.

Key Themes

• Indiscriminate Devastation: The verse powerfully conveys the extent of the suffering, highlighting that "the young and the old," "virgins and young men" all perished. This underscores the complete and utter collapse of society and the profound loss of life, regardless of age or status.
• Divine Judgment and Wrath: Central to this verse is the acknowledgment that God ("thou") is the active agent behind the destruction: "thou hast slain them in the day of thine anger; thou hast killed, and not pitied." This is a stark portrayal of God's righteous wrath against sin, demonstrating that His holiness demands justice.
• Consequences of Unrepentant Sin: The severity of the judgment described serves as a grim reminder that persistent rebellion against God's commands leads to dire consequences, as warned by prophets like Jeremiah (Jeremiah 25:8-11).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "slain" and "killed" is harag (הָרַג), a strong verb meaning to kill, slay, or murder. Its repetition emphasizes the sheer scale of the slaughter. The phrase "not pitied" comes from the Hebrew lo chamalta (לֹא חָמַלְתָּ), indicating an absence of compassion or mercy in the execution of judgment. While God is inherently merciful, this phrase highlights the extreme nature of His righteous anger when His people had exhausted His patience through their persistent idolatry and wickedness. It reflects the lamenter's perception of the full, unmitigated force of divine retribution.

Practical Application

Lamentations 2:21, though somber, offers several profound lessons for believers today:

• The Seriousness of Sin: This verse is a powerful reminder that sin is not trivial and carries severe consequences. It underscores God's absolute holiness and His commitment to justice.
• God's Sovereignty in Judgment: While difficult, acknowledging God's role in the suffering of His people reinforces His ultimate sovereignty and control over all things, including the outcomes of human actions.
• A Call to Repentance: The historical context of Lamentations serves as an enduring call to repentance and obedience. Understanding the consequences of unfaithfulness should inspire a desire to live in accordance with God's will.
• Hope Amidst Despair: Although this particular verse is bleak, the book of Lamentations itself moves towards hope and God's faithfulness in Chapter 3. Even in the darkest times, we are reminded of God's unfailing mercies and compassions that are "new every morning."