Lamentations 4:20

KJV

The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the LORD, was taken in their pits, of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall live among the heathen.

KJV (with Strong's)

The breath {H7307} of our nostrils {H639}, the anointed {H4899} of the LORD {H3068}, was taken {H3920} in their pits {H7825}, of whom we said {H559}, Under his shadow {H6738} we shall live {H2421} among the heathen {H1471}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI's anointed, our life-breath, was caught in their pits; though of him we had said, "Under his protection, we can live among the nations."

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD’s anointed, the breath of our life, was captured in their pits. We had said of him, “Under his shadow we will live among the nations.”

American Standard Version

The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of Jehovah, was taken in their pits; Of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall live among the nations.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 4:20 encapsulates the profound anguish and shattered hopes of Judah in the wake of Jerusalem's destruction and the Babylonian conquest. It laments the capture of King Zedekiah, the divinely appointed monarch, whose seizure represented not merely the fall of a leader but the devastating collapse of the nation's perceived security, their very 'breath,' and the crushing of their expectation of living safely under his protective 'shadow' amidst hostile foreign powers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Lamentations 4 is a vivid and harrowing account of Jerusalem's final days under siege and its subsequent fall. Unlike the broader laments of earlier chapters, Chapter 4 focuses intensely on the physical and social degradation, detailing the starvation of children, the defilement of nobles, and the utter humiliation of the city's leadership. Verse 20, specifically, marks a climactic point in this narrative of despair, shifting from the general suffering to the specific tragedy of the king's capture. It immediately follows verses describing the swiftness of the enemy and the desperate flight of the people, highlighting the stark contrast between their former glory and their present abject state. This verse serves as a mournful epitaph for the Davidic monarchy, underscoring the complete and utter collapse of their national identity and security.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Lamentations 4:20 is the catastrophic fall of Jerusalem to Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian forces in 586 BC, culminating in the destruction of the Temple and the city walls, and the subsequent exile of the Jewish people. King Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, was installed by Nebuchadnezzar but later rebelled, leading to the final siege. Culturally, the king in ancient Israel was not merely a political leader but also held a sacred role as the "anointed of the LORD," a divinely appointed mediator and protector for his people. The concept of living "under his shadow" (shadow as protection, refuge) was deeply ingrained, reflecting the expectation that the king, as God's representative, would ensure the nation's safety and well-being, even amidst surrounding "heathen" nations. Zedekiah's capture, as recorded in [2 Kings 25:4-7](/2_kings/25-4-7 "2 Kings 25:4-7 - Zedekiah's Capture and Punishment"), was not just a military defeat but a profound theological crisis, signifying the apparent failure of God's covenant with David and the complete dismantling of their national identity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Lamentations and the broader prophetic literature. It vividly portrays the theme of **Shattered Hope and Despair**, as the people's reliance on their human king for security proved tragically futile. It underscores the **Consequences of Disobedience**, linking the nation's suffering and the king's capture to their persistent covenant unfaithfulness, as prophesied throughout [the book of Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1 "The Book of Jeremiah"). Furthermore, the verse highlights the theme of **Misplaced Trust**, revealing how the people had placed their ultimate confidence in an earthly institution—the monarchy—rather than solely in the sovereign God. The capture of the "anointed of the LORD" also touches upon the theme of **Divine Judgment**, where even the sacred office of the king could not escape the consequences of national sin, leading to the ultimate humiliation and exile described in [Lamentations 1:3](/lamentations/1-3 "Lamentations 1:3 - Judah's Exile").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **rûwach (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** This word, often translated "breath" or "spirit," signifies vitality, life, and the very essence of being. In this context, "the breath of our nostrils" is a powerful metaphor for someone absolutely essential, on whom the nation's very existence and well-being seemed to depend. It denotes an intimate, life-sustaining connection, emphasizing the profound shock and sense of suffocation felt at the king's capture.
* **mâshîyach (Hebrew, _mâshîyach'_):** Meaning "anointed," this term refers to a consecrated person, typically a king, priest, or prophet, set apart by God through anointing with oil. Here, it specifically designates King Zedekiah, highlighting his sacred status as God's chosen representative and the embodiment of Judah's covenant relationship with the LORD (Yᵉhôvâh). His capture was thus not merely a political defeat but a theological crisis, as the "anointed of the LORD" had fallen.
* **lâkad (Hebrew, _lâkad'_):** This primitive root means "to catch (in a net, trap or pit)" or "to capture." It vividly describes Zedekiah's apprehension by the Babylonians, emphasizing the suddenness and inescapable nature of his capture. The imagery of being "taken in their pits" (shᵉchîyth) suggests a snare or ambush, highlighting the king's vulnerability and the enemy's cunning, reinforcing the sense of betrayal and hopelessness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the LORD":** This opening phrase is a deeply emotional and symbolic description of King Zedekiah. "The breath of our nostrils" is a powerful **hyperbole** and **metaphor** signifying someone absolutely vital, indispensable, and life-sustaining to the community, much like the air one breathes. It conveys the profound dependence the people felt on their king for their national life and identity. Coupled with "the anointed of the LORD" (Hebrew: _mâshîyach_), it emphasizes his sacred status as God's chosen and consecrated ruler, the visible embodiment of God's covenant promises to David. The tragic irony is that this divinely appointed protector, their very lifeblood, was now utterly vulnerable.
* **"was taken in their pits":** This clause describes the king's capture with stark realism and a sense of entrapment. Historically, King Zedekiah attempted to flee Jerusalem but was apprehended by Babylonian forces in the plains of Jericho. The phrase "in their pits" (Hebrew: _shᵉchîyth_) likely refers to snares, traps, or ambushes set by the enemy, suggesting a cunning and inescapable capture rather than an open battle. It evokes a feeling of helplessness and the sudden, ignominious end of his reign, symbolizing the complete collapse of Judah's defenses and the end of its independent monarchy.
* **"of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall live among the heathen":** This final clause reveals the profound depth of the people's shattered expectations and misplaced trust. "Under his shadow" (Hebrew: _tsêl_) is a **metaphor** for protection, security, and refuge, implying that they believed the king's presence and authority would shield them from harm, allowing them to thrive even amidst hostile foreign nations ("the heathen," Hebrew: _gôwy_). The phrase "we shall live" (Hebrew: _châyâh_) conveys a hope for continued existence, peace, and national flourishing. The tragic reality of Zedekiah's capture utterly demolishes this hope, exposing the futility of relying on human power for ultimate security and leaving the people vulnerable to exile among the very nations they had hoped to be protected from.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 4:20 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its profound sorrow and despair. The phrase "the breath of our nostrils" serves as a striking **metaphor** and **hyperbole**, equating the king's life with the very air necessary for the nation's survival. This emphasizes his perceived indispensability and the catastrophic impact of his capture, suggesting a collective suffocation of hope. Similarly, "under his shadow" is a **metaphor** for protection and security, highlighting the people's reliance on the king as their shield. The entire verse is steeped in **irony**: the "anointed of the LORD," God's chosen representative meant to ensure the nation's well-being and protect them from foreign powers, is precisely "taken in their pits" by those very "heathen." The people's expressed hope—"Under his shadow we shall live among the heathen"—is tragically subverted by the reality of his capture, which leads directly to their vulnerability and forced integration among the nations they sought to avoid. This stark contrast between expectation and reality amplifies the sense of loss and divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 4:20 serves as a profound theological statement on the perils of misplaced trust and the absolute sovereignty of God. The people of Judah had invested their hope and security in their earthly king, viewing him as their ultimate protector and the guarantor of their national existence. This reliance on human institutions, even divinely appointed ones, above direct and unwavering faith in God, ultimately proved futile. The capture of the "anointed of the LORD" was a stark, painful lesson that no human leader, no matter how powerful or sacred his office, can provide ultimate security or thwart divine judgment when a nation has persistently rebelled against its covenant God. It underscores that true refuge and lasting life are found only in the Lord.
* [Psalm 146:3](/psalms/146-3 "Psalm 146:3 - Do Not Trust in Princes")
* [Jeremiah 17:5](/jeremiah/17-5 "Jeremiah 17:5 - Cursed is the One Who Trusts in Man")
* [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt for Help")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 4:20 offers a timeless and sobering reflection for believers today. In an age where political leaders, economic systems, and even religious institutions are often looked to as ultimate sources of security and hope, this verse reminds us of their inherent fragility and finite capacity. Just as Judah's hope in King Zedekiah was tragically dashed, so too can our trust in human constructs lead to profound disappointment and despair when they inevitably fail or are overthrown. This passage calls us to critically examine where our ultimate allegiance and deepest security lie. It challenges us to recognize that while we are called to engage with and pray for earthly authorities, our unwavering hope and unshakeable confidence must reside solely in the sovereign God, who alone is an unfailing refuge and the true source of life and protection. Placing our ultimate trust in anything less than God is to set ourselves up for the same kind of heartbreak experienced by ancient Judah.
#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I primarily place my hope for security and flourishing—in human leaders, political systems, financial stability, or in God alone?**
* **How does the failure of human leadership, as depicted in this verse, deepen my understanding of God's ultimate sovereignty and trustworthiness?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to put "my breath of nostrils" in something or someone other than the Lord, and what are the potential consequences of such misplaced trust?**

### FAQ
**Who is "the breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the LORD" in Lamentations 4:20?**

Answer: This poignant phrase refers to King Zedekiah, the last reigning king of Judah before the Babylonian exile. "The breath of our nostrils" is a powerful poetic expression signifying someone absolutely vital and indispensable to the nation, upon whom their very life and well-being seemed to depend. It conveys the profound sense of loss and suffocation felt at his capture. "The anointed of the LORD" (Hebrew: _mâshîyach_) designates him as a divinely consecrated king, set apart by God to rule over Israel. In the Old Testament, kings were anointed with oil as a symbol of their divine appointment and authority. His capture was thus not merely a political defeat but a profound theological crisis for the people, as their divinely chosen leader had fallen, leading to the end of the Davidic monarchy in Judah, as recounted in [2 Kings 25:7](/2_kings/25-7 "2 Kings 25:7 - Zedekiah's Fate").

**What is the significance of "taken in their pits" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "taken in their pits" graphically describes King Zedekiah's capture by the Babylonian forces. Historically, after Jerusalem fell, Zedekiah attempted to flee the city but was apprehended by the Babylonians in the plains of Jericho. The term "pits" (Hebrew: _shᵉchîyth_) can refer to literal pitfalls, snares, or traps used for hunting, or metaphorically to ambushes or cunning strategies employed by the enemy. It emphasizes the sudden, inescapable, and ignominious nature of his capture, highlighting his vulnerability and the complete collapse of his ability to protect himself or his people. This imagery underscores the devastating reality that their perceived protector was caught like an animal in a trap, symbolizing the utter helplessness and defeat of the nation. It reflects the fulfillment of prophetic warnings about the consequences of disobedience, where even the king would be ensnared by the enemy, as seen in [Ezekiel 12:13](/ezekiel/12-13 "Ezekiel 12:13 - Zedekiah Caught in God's Net").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamentations 4:20, with its lament over the captured "anointed of the LORD," finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Zedekiah, the earthly king, failed to provide lasting "shadow" or "life" for his people, Jesus is the true and eternal "Anointed One" (Messiah) who perfectly embodies and fulfills all the hopes and promises associated with that title. Unlike Zedekiah, who was "taken in their pits" and led to the destruction of his kingdom, Jesus willingly allowed himself to be "taken" by his enemies, not as a victim of circumstance, but as the sacrificial [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who laid down his life to secure true life for humanity. His capture led not to the demise of a kingdom, but to the establishment of an everlasting one, a spiritual kingdom where all who believe can truly "live under his shadow" in eternal security. He is the ultimate "breath of our nostrils," the source of spiritual life, for in Him "we live and move and have our being" ([Acts 17:28](/acts/17-28 "Acts 17:28 - In Him We Live")). Where the earthly king failed to protect his people from the "heathen," Christ, through his death and resurrection, has triumphed over all the powers of darkness, offering a refuge and a secure dwelling place that no earthly power can destroy ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He is the King under whose unfailing shadow we truly find eternal life and security, far surpassing the fleeting hope placed in any human monarch.

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

Ezekiel 12:13

My net also will I spread upon him, and he shall be taken in my snare: and I will bring him to Babylon [to] the land of the Chaldeans; yet shall he not see it, though he shall die there.

Genesis 2:7

And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

2 Samuel 19:21

But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD'S anointed?

Jeremiah 39:5

But the Chaldeans' army pursued after them, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho: and when they had taken him, they brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he gave judgment upon him.

2 Samuel 1:21

Ye mountains of Gilboa, [let there be] no dew, neither [let there be] rain, upon you, nor fields of offerings: for there the shield of the mighty is vilely cast away, the shield of Saul, [as though he had] not [been] anointed with oil.

Ezekiel 17:18

Seeing he despised the oath by breaking the covenant, when, lo, he had given his hand, and hath done all these [things], he shall not escape.

2 Samuel 1:14

And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD'S anointed?