Lamentations 4:16

KJV

The anger of the LORD hath divided them; he will no more regard them: they respected not the persons of the priests, they favoured not the elders.

KJV (with Strong's)

The anger {H6440} of the LORD {H3068} hath divided {H2505} them; he will no more {H3254} regard {H5027} them: they respected {H5375} not the persons {H6440} of the priests {H3548}, they favoured {H2603} not the elders {H2205}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI himself scattered them; he will no longer look after them; they had no respect for cohanim and showed no kindness to the leaders.

Berean Standard Bible

The presence of the LORD has scattered them; He regards them no more. The priests are shown no honor; the elders find no favor.

American Standard Version

The anger of Jehovah hath scattered them; he will no more regard them: They respected not the persons of the priests, they favored not the elders.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 4:16 powerfully articulates the severe consequences of Judah's profound moral and spiritual decline, specifically highlighting the divine judgment that led to their scattering and abandonment. The verse reveals that the Lord's anger was justly poured out upon the people because of their widespread disrespect for those in positions of spiritual and civic authority—the priests and the elders—signifying a deeper rebellion against God's established order and covenant. This contempt for leadership ultimately contributed to their societal fragmentation and the terrifying withdrawal of God's benevolent regard.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Lamentations 4 offers a harrowing depiction of Jerusalem's suffering during and after the Babylonian siege, vividly portraying starvation, desolation, and the collapse of societal order. This chapter starkly contrasts Zion's past glory with its present humiliation, attributing the catastrophe not to random fate but to divine judgment for sin. Verse 16 serves as a pivotal theological explanation for this suffering, shifting from the description of physical agony to the spiritual and moral reasons behind it. It directly links the "anger of the LORD" to the people's specific transgressions, particularly their contempt for the very leaders God had appointed to guide them, thereby providing a profound theological rationale for the unprecedented calamity that has befallen them. The preceding verses lament the suffering, and this verse explains the *why*.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC by Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian forces marked the end of the Kingdom of Judah and the beginning of the Babylonian exile. This cataclysmic event was understood by the prophets not merely as a political or military defeat but as God's righteous judgment for centuries of idolatry, injustice, and covenant unfaithfulness. In ancient Israel, priests were divinely appointed to mediate between God and the people, teach the Law, and oversee sacrificial worship, embodying the nation's spiritual life. Elders served as community leaders, judges, and advisors, responsible for upholding justice and maintaining social order. To "respect not the persons" and "favour not" these figures was a profound act of rebellion, undermining the very foundations of Israelite society and demonstrating a direct affront to the divine authority they represented. This widespread contempt for God-ordained structures contributed directly to the moral decay that precipitated the nation's downfall, as seen in the warnings throughout [the book of Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy "Deuteronomy - The Second Law").
* **Key Themes:** Lamentations 4:16 powerfully underscores several critical themes. Firstly, it highlights the **severity and justice of divine judgment**. The "anger of the LORD" is not capricious but a righteous and deliberate response to persistent sin and rebellion, culminating in the "division" and abandonment of His people. This reinforces the biblical truth that God is holy and will not tolerate unrepentant sin, as warned in passages like [Nahum 1:3](/nahum/1-3 "Nahum 1:3 - The Lord's Vengeance and Slowness to Anger"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **consequences of disregarding God-ordained authority**. The people's contempt for priests and elders represented a systemic rejection of the spiritual and civic order God had established, leading inevitably to societal breakdown and moral chaos. This theme resonates with the broader biblical principle of submission to authority for the sake of order and righteousness, as taught in [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities"). Finally, it speaks to the **loss of divine favor and protection**. The declaration "he will no more regard them" signifies a terrifying withdrawal of God's presence and blessing, a direct result of their covenant infidelity, leaving them vulnerable to their enemies and the full weight of His righteous wrath.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **divided (Hebrew, _châlaq'_):** From H2505, meaning "to be smooth," but by implication, "to apportion or separate." In this context, it vividly describes the scattering of the people of Judah, the breaking apart of their society, and the fragmentation of their national identity under divine judgment. It implies a deliberate act of God to dismember and disperse them as a direct consequence of their collective sin.
* **regard (Hebrew, _nâbaṭ'_):** From H5027, meaning "to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care." The phrase "he will no more regard them" (incorporating H3254, _yâçaph_, meaning "to add or augment," here used adverbially to mean "no more" or "not again") signifies a complete cessation of God looking upon them with favor, concern, or protective care. It is a terrifying declaration of divine abandonment, a withdrawal of the benevolent gaze that had once sustained them.
* **favoured (Hebrew, _chânan'_):** From H2603, meaning "to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow." The negation "they favoured not the elders" indicates a complete absence of graciousness, respect, or deference towards the elders. This word highlights the moral bankruptcy of the people, who not only lacked respect but actively withheld the kindness and honor due to those in positions of leadership, demonstrating a profound spiritual callousness and rebellion against God's established order.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The anger of the LORD hath divided them":** This clause directly attributes the catastrophic scattering, societal breakdown, and national fragmentation of Judah to the righteous indignation of Yahweh. It asserts divine agency in their suffering, indicating that their dispersion was not merely a military defeat but a deliberate act of God's judgment for their persistent sin and covenant unfaithfulness. The "division" speaks to both their physical scattering into exile and the internal fragmentation of their community and social order.
* **"he will no more regard them":** This phrase declares a severe and terrifying consequence of God's anger: a complete cessation of His benevolent attention, favor, and protective care. It signifies a profound withdrawal of divine presence and blessing, leaving the people exposed and vulnerable to their enemies and the full weight of their self-inflicted consequences. This is a powerful expression of divine abandonment, a direct result of their actions and a terrifying fulfillment of covenant curses.
* **"they respected not the persons of the priests":** This identifies a specific and grievous sin of the people. "Respecting persons" (literally "lifting up the face") refers to showing partiality, honor, or deference. Here, it is negated, meaning they showed no honor, deference, or due regard for the priests. As God's designated representatives, responsible for teaching the Law and mediating worship, disrespecting the priests was tantamount to disrespecting God Himself and His sacred institutions, undermining the very spiritual foundation of the nation.
* **"they favoured not the elders":** This second specific sin parallels the first, extending the widespread disrespect to civic leadership. The elders were the wise and experienced leaders responsible for justice, order, and guidance in society. To "favour not" them implies a lack of kindness, grace, or even basic courtesy and submission to their authority. This widespread contempt for both spiritual (priests) and civic (elders) authority underscored a deep-seated rebellion against the divine order and contributed significantly to the moral anarchy and societal decay that ultimately led to their downfall.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 4:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of judgment and despair. **Personification** is evident in "The anger of the LORD hath divided them," where God's anger is depicted as an active agent, capable of performing actions like dividing. This emphasizes the direct, personal, and forceful nature of divine judgment. **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, is strongly present in the latter half of the verse: "they respected not the persons of the priests, they favoured not the elders." This structure reinforces the idea that both spiritual and civic authorities were equally disrespected, highlighting the pervasive and deep-seated nature of the people's rebellion against all forms of God-ordained order. The phrase "he will no more regard them" functions as **Hyperbole**, underscoring the extreme and seemingly irreversible nature of God's withdrawal of favor, emphasizing the profound depth of their transgression and the severity of the consequent divine abandonment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 4:16 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that God is holy and just, and while merciful, He will not indefinitely tolerate unrepentant sin, especially when it involves a systemic rejection of His established order and representatives. The "anger of the LORD" is not an irrational outburst but a righteous response to a broken covenant and a people's contempt for the very structures designed to maintain their relationship with Him. This verse serves as a stark reminder that true reverence for God is demonstrated not only in worship but also in respecting the authorities He has placed, whether spiritual or civil. The consequences of such widespread disrespect are dire, leading to societal fragmentation and the withdrawal of divine favor, fulfilling the covenant curses.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord")
* [Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Hebrews 12:29 - God as a Consuming Fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 4:16 offers a sobering mirror for contemporary reflection, challenging us to examine our own attitudes toward authority, whether in the church, government, or even within our families and communities. Do we, like ancient Judah, harbor a spirit of disrespect or contempt for those God has placed in leadership, or do we strive to honor them, recognizing that their position, if not their person, is ordained by God for order and blessing? This verse reminds us that societal breakdown often begins with a moral and spiritual decay that manifests as a disregard for established order and a rejection of wisdom. Furthermore, it prompts us to consider the gravity of God's justice. While we live under grace, the principle that sin has consequences remains, and a persistent, unrepentant rebellion can lead to a withdrawal of divine blessing and a sense of spiritual abandonment. Our appropriate response should be one of humility, repentance, and a renewed commitment to honoring God by honoring those He has set over us, fostering a culture of respect rather than cynicism.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I struggle with respecting authority, and how might this reflect a deeper issue in my relationship with God?**
* **How does the "anger of the LORD" in this verse challenge my understanding of God's character, and how can I reconcile it with His love and mercy?**
* **What are the practical implications of "honoring priests and elders" (or their modern equivalents) in my community and church today?**
* **How can I contribute to fostering a culture of respect and honor within my sphere of influence, rather than one of contempt or cynicism, recognizing the divine order?**

### FAQ
**Does God truly abandon His people, as implied by "he will no more regard them"?**

Answer: The phrase "he will no more regard them" in Lamentations 4:16 signifies a severe withdrawal of God's favorable attention and protective care due to Judah's persistent and egregious sin, particularly their disrespect for His appointed leaders. This was a covenantal judgment, meaning God was acting according to the curses outlined in the Mosaic Covenant for disobedience (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28 - Curses for Disobedience")). While it felt like abandonment to the suffering people, it was a consequence of their actions, not a capricious act. In the broader biblical narrative, God's ultimate faithfulness to His covenant promises means He does not utterly or permanently abandon His elect, even through periods of severe discipline and judgment. The exile was a period of discipline, intended to bring about repentance and restoration, as prophesied by Jeremiah (e.g., [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10-14 "Jeremiah 29 - Promises of Restoration")). So, while the immediate experience was one of divine disregard, it was part of a larger plan of redemption, not a final, irreversible rejection of His people.

**What was the significance of disrespecting priests and elders in ancient Israel?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, priests and elders held foundational roles in maintaining the nation's spiritual and social order. Priests were God's designated mediators, responsible for teaching the Law, offering sacrifices, and preserving the covenant relationship. Disrespecting them was a direct affront to God's sacred institutions and His revealed will, undermining the very spiritual fabric of the nation. Elders were the civil leaders, judges, and wise counselors who upheld justice, resolved disputes, and guided the community. To "respect not the persons" and "favour not" these figures meant a widespread rejection of both divine and human authority, leading to moral anarchy, injustice, and a breakdown of the very societal fabric God had established. This contempt for leadership was a symptom of a deeper spiritual rebellion against God Himself and His covenant, demonstrating a profound disregard for the order He had instituted for their well-being.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamentations 4:16, with its stark portrayal of divine anger and the devastating consequences of human rebellion and disrespect for authority, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "anger of the LORD" that "divided them" and led to the abandonment of His people in their sin was fully poured out upon Christ on the cross. He became the one upon whom God's righteous wrath against all human sin, including the systemic disrespect for divine order, was satisfied. As [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - The Suffering Servant") prophesied, "He was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed." In Christ, the ultimate "Lamb of God" who takes away the sin of the world (as seen in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), God did not "no more regard" His people, but rather, through the perfect sacrifice of His Son, provided a way for reconciliation and renewed favor. Furthermore, Jesus Christ is the ultimate Priest and Elder. As our Great High Priest (as described in [Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")), He perfectly mediates between God and humanity, offering a once-for-all sacrifice that truly cleanses from sin, unlike the imperfect sacrifices overseen by the Old Testament priests. As the "Chief Shepherd" and Head of the Church (see [1 Peter 5:4](/1_peter/5-4 "1 Peter 5:4 - The Chief Shepherd") and [Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church")), He embodies the perfect, righteous, and compassionate leadership that the elders were meant to represent. The sin of disrespecting priests and elders, which brought judgment upon Judah, is overcome by the perfect honor and submission due to Christ. In Him, God establishes a new covenant where true spiritual authority is vested, and those who believe are brought into a relationship of grace, no longer subject to the curse of divine abandonment but embraced by His eternal love and presence, as promised in [Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - Jesus' Promise to Be With Us").

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

Lamentations 5:12

Princes are hanged up by their hand: the faces of elders were not honoured.

Isaiah 9:14

Therefore the LORD will cut off from Israel head and tail, branch and rush, in one day.

Isaiah 9:16

For the leaders of this people cause [them] to err; and [they that are] led of them [are] destroyed.

Deuteronomy 32:26

¶ I said, I would scatter them into corners, I would make the remembrance of them to cease from among men:

Jeremiah 24:9

And I will deliver them to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth for [their] hurt, [to be] a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse, in all places whither I shall drive them.

Hebrews 8:9

Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.

Deuteronomy 28:64

And the LORD shall scatter thee among all people, from the one end of the earth even unto the other; and there thou shalt serve other gods, which neither thou nor thy fathers have known, [even] wood and stone.