Lamentations 2:8

KJV

The LORD hath purposed to destroy the wall of the daughter of Zion: he hath stretched out a line, he hath not withdrawn his hand from destroying: therefore he made the rampart and the wall to lament; they languished together.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} hath purposed {H2803} to destroy {H7843} the wall {H2346} of the daughter {H1323} of Zion {H6726}: he hath stretched out {H5186} a line {H6957}, he hath not withdrawn {H7725} his hand {H3027} from destroying {H1104}: therefore he made the rampart {H2426} and the wall {H2346} to lament {H56}; they languished {H535} together {H3162}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI resolved to destroy the wall of the daughter of Tziyon. He measured it with his line and did not stay his hand until it was all in ruins. He brought grief to rampart and wall; together they lie dejected.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD determined to destroy the wall of the Daughter of Zion. He stretched out a measuring line and did not withdraw His hand from destroying. He made the ramparts and walls lament; together they waste away.

American Standard Version

Jehovah hath purposed to destroy the wall of the daughter of Zion; He hath stretched out the line, he hath not withdrawn his hand from destroying; And he hath made the rampart and wall to lament; they languish together.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 2:8 vividly portrays the deliberate and devastating judgment of the LORD upon Jerusalem, personified as the "daughter of Zion." The verse depicts God's unwavering resolve to dismantle the city's protective walls and ramparts, not as an arbitrary act, but as a calculated and precise execution of His divine purpose. The resulting desolation is so profound that even the inanimate structures are depicted as mourning and languishing in shared grief, underscoring the completeness of the city's ruin and the depth of its despair.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Lamentations 2 is a continuation of the prophet's mournful dirge over the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BC. While Chapter 1 focuses on the city's desolate state and its abandonment, Chapter 2 shifts to emphasize the LORD's direct and active role in bringing about this catastrophe. The chapter repeatedly uses phrases like "the LORD has done" or "the LORD has become" to highlight divine agency in the suffering. Verse 8 specifically details the strategic dismantling of Jerusalem's defenses, underscoring that this was not merely an act of human warfare but a divinely orchestrated judgment, setting the stage for the subsequent descriptions of widespread suffering and divine wrath throughout the chapter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC to Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian forces was a cataclysmic event for ancient Israel. The city's walls were not merely physical barriers but profound symbols of security, national identity, and divine protection. For the "daughter of Zion" (a common personification of Jerusalem, emphasizing its intimate relationship with God), the destruction of its walls signified the utter collapse of its defenses and, more tragically, the apparent withdrawal of God's protective hand. This event was understood within the framework of the Mosaic Covenant, where blessings were promised for obedience and curses for disobedience (as detailed in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). The prophet interprets the destruction as the just consequence of generations of idolatry, injustice, and covenant unfaithfulness, fulfilling the warnings of earlier prophets like Jeremiah ([Jeremiah 25:9-11](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9-11 - Seventy Years of Desolation")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent in Lamentations and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty in Judgment**, asserting that God is not merely a passive observer but the active orchestrator of historical events, even those involving immense suffering. His "purpose" to destroy indicates deliberate intent, not accidental calamity. Secondly, the imagery of "stretching out a line" highlights the theme of **Calculated and Precise Judgment**, suggesting that God's actions are measured, just, and proportional, akin to an architect planning a demolition rather than chaotic destruction. This precision ensures the full measure of divine justice is meted out. Thirdly, the phrase "he hath not withdrawn his hand" emphasizes **Unwavering Divine Resolve**, demonstrating God's steadfast commitment to execute His declared judgments once set in motion. Finally, the personification of the walls lamenting and languishing together conveys the theme of **Profound Desolation and Shared Suffering**, illustrating the all-encompassing nature of the tragedy that engulfed every aspect of Jerusalem, animate and inanimate alike.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Purposed (Hebrew, _châshab'_):** From H2803, this root means "to plot or contrive (usually in a malicious sense); hence (from the mental effort) to think, regard, value, compute." In Lamentations 2:8, it signifies the LORD's deliberate and intentional planning of Jerusalem's destruction. It is not a spontaneous act of anger but a carefully considered, sovereign decree, demonstrating His forethought and control over the unfolding events. This word emphasizes God's active will and calculated intent behind the judgment.
* **Destroy (Hebrew, _shâchath'_):** From H7843, this root means "to decay, i.e. (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively); batter, cast off, corrupt(-er, thing), destroy(-er, -uction), lose, mar, perish, spill, [idiom] utterly, waste(-r)." The use of this word here indicates a complete and utter ruination, not just damage. It conveys the totality of the destruction God intended for the wall, signifying its complete collapse and removal as a protective barrier.
* **Line (Hebrew, _qav'_):** From H6957, this word refers to "a cord (as connecting), especially for measuring; figuratively, a rule." While typically used for construction or surveying, in prophetic contexts, it often denotes a measuring line for destruction or a plumb line for judgment, as seen in [Isaiah 28:17](/isaiah/28-17 "Isaiah 28:17 - Judgment by Line and Plummet"). Its presence here underscores the precision and deliberate nature of God's judgment; the destruction was not random but executed with exactitude, marking out the city for its demise according to a divine blueprint.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD hath purposed to destroy the wall of the daughter of Zion":** This opening clause immediately establishes divine agency. It is not Babylon, but "the LORD" (YHVH, the covenant God of Israel) who has "purposed" (H2803, _châshab_), meaning He has deliberately planned and resolved, to bring about the destruction. The target is "the wall of the daughter of Zion," referring to Jerusalem's fortifications, which were both physical defenses and symbols of its security and covenant protection. This highlights that the city's fall was a direct act of God's sovereign will.
* **"he hath stretched out a line, he hath not withdrawn his hand from destroying":** This clause elaborates on the method and unwavering resolve of God's judgment. "He hath stretched out a line" (H5186, _nâṭâh_ and H6957, _qav_) evokes the image of an architect or surveyor marking out a structure, but here, it's for demolition. This signifies the precise, measured, and intentional nature of the destruction. The subsequent phrase, "he hath not withdrawn his hand from destroying" (H7725, _shûwb_ and H3027, _yâd_ and H1104, _bâlaʻ_), powerfully conveys God's unyielding commitment. Once He set His purpose, there was no turning back, no relenting, no mercy shown in the execution of the judgment. His "hand" (H3027, _yâd_) symbolizes His power and active involvement.
* **"therefore he made the rampart and the wall to lament; they languished together."** This final clause describes the devastating consequence of God's unwavering purpose. The "rampart" (H2426, _chêyl_, an outer wall or trench) and "the wall" (H2346, _chôwmâh_) are personified, depicted as actively "lamenting" (H56, _ʼâbal_) and "languishing" (H535, _ʼâmal_). This vivid imagery emphasizes the totality of the ruin and the profound grief that permeated every aspect of the city. Even the inanimate structures, once symbols of strength, are now reduced to sorrowful ruins, reflecting the complete despair and desolation that afflicted Jerusalem and its inhabitants.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 2:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment and profound desolation. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the depiction of God's actions: "he hath stretched out a line" and "he hath not withdrawn his hand." These human-like actions attribute intentionality, precision, and unwavering resolve to the divine will, making God's role in the destruction intensely personal and direct. The most striking device is **Personification**, where inanimate objects are given human qualities: "he made the rampart and the wall to lament; they languished together." This device powerfully communicates the depth of the tragedy; the very structures that once offered protection now share in the city's sorrow, their ruin mirroring the despair of its inhabitants. This also functions as **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the extent of the lamentation to underscore the overwhelming nature of the catastrophe. Furthermore, the "line" serves as a **Symbol** of precise, measured judgment, indicating that God's actions were not chaotic but deliberate and just, fulfilling His covenant warnings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 2:8 stands as a stark reminder of God's absolute sovereignty, particularly in judgment. It challenges any notion of a passive or indifferent deity, asserting that the LORD is actively involved in the affairs of humanity, even to the point of orchestrating the downfall of His own chosen city when covenant unfaithfulness becomes pervasive. This verse highlights the seriousness of sin and the certainty of God's righteous judgment, demonstrating that divine patience has limits and that consequences for persistent disobedience are inevitable. While profoundly sorrowful, it also implicitly upholds God's justice and His faithfulness to His covenant, even when that faithfulness involves upholding the curses for rebellion. The lament of the walls themselves underscores the immense grief and desolation that sin brings, urging us to live in alignment with God's will.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-25](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-25 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Isaiah 5:5-7](/isaiah/5-5 "Isaiah 5:5-7 - The Vineyard of the Lord")
* [Jeremiah 7:12-15](/jeremiah/7-12 "Jeremiah 7:12-15 - Shiloh and Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 2:8, though set in a context of ancient judgment, carries profound and timeless implications for believers today. It compels us to confront the reality of God's holiness and His unwavering commitment to justice. While we live under the new covenant of grace, this verse serves as a sober reminder that God is not to be trifled with, and that sin, though forgiven through Christ, still carries immense weight and consequences in the world. It calls us to a deeper reverence for God, recognizing His supreme authority and the seriousness with which He views disobedience. Furthermore, it encourages us to acknowledge God's sovereignty even in times of personal or collective suffering, understanding that He is purposeful even in what appears to be chaos. This should lead us to greater humility, sincere repentance, and a renewed commitment to living lives that honor His name, trusting in His mercy while respecting His justice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the depiction of God's deliberate "purpose" and "unwithdrawn hand" in judgment challenge or affirm your understanding of God's character?**
* **In what ways might we, individually or as a community, be building "walls" (false securities, idols) that God might need to dismantle for our ultimate good or His glory?**
* **What does the "lament" of the rampart and wall teach us about the pervasive and devastating effects of sin, even on the inanimate world?**
* **How can understanding God's unwavering resolve in judgment deepen our appreciation for His grace and mercy extended to us in Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why would God "purpose to destroy" His own chosen city, Jerusalem?**

Answer: God's destruction of Jerusalem was not arbitrary but a just and sorrowful consequence of centuries of Israel's persistent idolatry, injustice, and covenant unfaithfulness. As detailed throughout the prophetic books, God had repeatedly warned His people through His prophets, calling them to repentance and promising severe judgment if they continued in their rebellion. The "purpose to destroy" signifies God's unwavering commitment to His covenant, which included both blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience ([Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). His actions, though devastating, were an act of righteous judgment to uphold His holiness and to purify His people, ultimately aiming for their restoration.

**What is the significance of God "stretching out a line" in this context?**

Answer: The imagery of "stretching out a line" (Hebrew: _qav_) typically refers to a measuring line used by builders or surveyors. However, in prophetic literature, it often takes on a darker connotation, signifying a line used for demolition or for marking out a territory for destruction or judgment. For example, [Isaiah 28:17](/isaiah/28-17 "Isaiah 28:17 - Judgment by Line and Plummet") speaks of God laying "justice to the line, and righteousness to the plummet." In Lamentations 2:8, it emphasizes that God's destruction of Jerusalem was not chaotic or random, but precise, deliberate, and measured. It implies a divine blueprint for judgment, executed with exactitude, ensuring that the full measure of His righteous wrath was meted out according to His perfect standard.

**Is this verse relevant for Christians living under the New Covenant of grace?**

Answer: Absolutely. While Christians are under grace and not under the law, Lamentations 2:8 remains profoundly relevant. Firstly, it underscores the unchanging character of God – His holiness, justice, and sovereignty – which are foundational truths for all believers. Secondly, it highlights the seriousness of sin and its devastating consequences, even for those in covenant relationship with God. This should lead us to a deeper appreciation for the grace and mercy extended through Christ, who bore the judgment we deserved ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")). Finally, it reminds us that God is purposeful in all things, even in suffering, and calls us to trust His sovereign hand, whether in discipline or blessing, recognizing that His ultimate aim is our sanctification and His glory ([Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God's Discipline")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamentations 2:8, with its stark depiction of God's unwavering purpose in judgment against sin, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "wall of the daughter of Zion" was destroyed because of the accumulated sin of God's people, a testament to God's holy wrath against unrighteousness. However, in Christ, God stretched out a different "line"—a line of redemption and grace—even as He did not withdraw His hand from destroying sin. Instead of destroying His people, God's righteous judgment was fully poured out upon His own Son on the cross. The ultimate "lament" was not of inanimate walls, but of Christ himself, who cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Christ's Cry of Dereliction")). He became the cursed one ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeems from the Curse")), bearing the full weight of the "languishing" and desolation that sin brings, so that those who believe might be spared from the judgment purposed for sin. Through His sacrifice, Christ became the new and eternal "wall" of salvation for the true "daughter of Zion," the Church ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")), offering a security far greater than any physical rampart, leading to the promise of a New Jerusalem where no wall will ever lament again ([Revelation 21:23-27](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23-27 - The New Jerusalem")).

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

2 Kings 21:13

And I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria, and the plummet of the house of Ahab: and I will wipe Jerusalem as [a man] wipeth a dish, wiping [it], and turning [it] upside down.

Isaiah 3:26

And her gates shall lament and mourn; and she [being] desolate shall sit upon the ground.

Isaiah 34:11

But the cormorant and the bittern shall possess it; the owl also and the raven shall dwell in it: and he shall stretch out upon it the line of confusion, and the stones of emptiness.

Jeremiah 14:2

Judah mourneth, and the gates thereof languish; they are black unto the ground; and the cry of Jerusalem is gone up.

Jeremiah 5:10

¶ Go ye up upon her walls, and destroy; but make not a full end: take away her battlements; for they [are] not the LORD'S.

Amos 7:7

Thus he shewed me: and, behold, the Lord stood upon a wall [made] by a plumbline, with a plumbline in his hand.

Amos 7:8

And the LORD said unto me, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A plumbline. Then said the Lord, Behold, I will set a plumbline in the midst of my people Israel: I will not again pass by them any more: