Lamentations 4:21

¶ Rejoice and be glad, O daughter of Edom, that dwellest in the land of Uz; the cup also shall pass through unto thee: thou shalt be drunken, and shalt make thyself naked.

Rejoice {H7797} and be glad {H8055}, O daughter {H1323} of Edom {H123}, that dwellest {H3427} in the land {H776} of Uz {H5780}; the cup {H3563} also shall pass {H5674} through unto thee: thou shalt be drunken {H7937}, and shalt make thyself naked {H6168}.

Rejoice, be glad, daughter of Edom, who lives in the land of 'Utz. To you too the cup will pass; you will get drunk and strip yourself naked!

So rejoice and be glad, O Daughter of Edom, you who dwell in the land of Uz. Yet the cup will pass to you as well; you will get drunk and expose yourself.

Rejoice and be glad, O daughter of Edom, that dwellest in the land of Uz: The cup shall pass through unto thee also; thou shalt be drunken, and shalt make thyself naked.

Commentary

Lamentations 4:21 is a poignant prophetic declaration, delivered with bitter irony, addressing the nation of Edom. Following the devastating fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians, this verse shifts focus from Judah's suffering to the impending judgment upon Edom for their role in and gloating over Judah's calamity.

Context

The book of Lamentations is a sorrowful dirge, primarily mourning the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 586 BC. Chapter 4 vividly describes the horrific conditions during the siege and the subsequent desolation. Amidst this profound grief, the prophet (traditionally Jeremiah) turns to address Edom, a neighboring nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother. Edom had a long history of animosity towards Israel and Judah, often siding with their enemies. Instead of showing compassion in Judah's time of distress, Edom actively participated in the plunder and rejoiced in Jerusalem's downfall (Obadiah 1:10-14, Psalm 137:7). This verse serves as a prophetic warning that Edom's moment of triumph would be short-lived.

Key Themes

  • Divine Retribution and Poetic Justice: The verse highlights the principle that those who rejoice in the downfall of others, especially God's people, will face their own reckoning. Edom's celebration is met with a divine assurance of future judgment.
  • The "Cup of Wrath": The metaphor of the "cup" is a powerful biblical image representing God's wrath and judgment. Judah has already drunk from this cup, experiencing the bitterness of defeat and exile. Now, the prophet declares, the cup will "pass through" to Edom, signifying that they too will experience God's severe punishment. This concept is seen elsewhere in scripture, such as in Jeremiah 25:15-28.
  • Humiliation and Exposure: To "be drunken, and shalt make thyself naked" symbolizes overwhelming judgment leading to a loss of control, public shame, and utter humiliation. Just as Judah was stripped bare and shamed, so too would Edom be exposed in its sin and weakness.

Linguistic Insights

The opening phrase, "Rejoice and be glad," is steeped in sarcasm or irony. It's not an invitation to celebrate, but a bitter taunt, exposing the false joy of Edom that would soon turn to sorrow. The phrase "the cup also shall pass through unto thee" vividly portrays the inescapable nature of God's judgment. The Hebrew word for "cup" (kos) often denotes a portion or destiny, here specifically a destiny of divine wrath. "Drunken" (shakar) and "naked" ('arah) are powerful metaphors for the complete and shameful devastation that awaits Edom.

Practical Application

Lamentations 4:21 serves as a timeless warning against gloating over the misfortunes of others, especially those who are suffering. It reminds us that God is a God of justice who sees both the suffering of His people and the arrogance of their oppressors. While the immediate context is historical, the principle applies: actions have consequences, and divine justice will ultimately prevail. It encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate sovereignty and justice, even when it seems injustice is rampant. It also serves as a caution against pride and malicious joy, urging compassion and humility instead.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Job 1:1

    ¶ There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name [was] Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.

  • Amos 1:11

    Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Edom, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because he did pursue his brother with the sword, and did cast off all pity, and his anger did tear perpetually, and he kept his wrath for ever:

  • Revelation 16:15

    Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed [is] he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

  • Psalms 137:7

    ¶ Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase [it], rase [it, even] to the foundation thereof.

  • Isaiah 63:1

    ¶ Who [is] this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this [that is] glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.

  • Isaiah 63:6

    And I will tread down the people in mine anger, and make them drunk in my fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth.

  • Ecclesiastes 11:9

    Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these [things] God will bring thee into judgment.
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