Lamentations 4:22

The punishment of thine iniquity is accomplished, O daughter of Zion; he will no more carry thee away into captivity: he will visit thine iniquity, O daughter of Edom; he will discover thy sins.

The punishment of thine iniquity {H5771} is accomplished {H8552}, O daughter {H1323} of Zion {H6726}; he will no more {H3254} carry thee away into captivity {H1540}: he will visit {H6485} thine iniquity {H5771}, O daughter {H1323} of Edom {H123}; he will discover {H1540} thy sins {H2403}.

Your offenses, daughter of Tziyon, are atoned for; he will keep you in exile no longer. Your offenses, daughter of Edom, he will punish; he will expose your sins.

O Daughter of Zion, your punishment is complete; He will not prolong your exile. But He will punish your iniquity, O Daughter of Edom; He will expose your sins.

The punishment of thine iniquity is accomplished, O daughter of Zion; he will no more carry thee away into captivity: He will visit thine iniquity, O daughter of Edom; he will uncover thy sins.

Commentary

Lamentations 4:22 offers a profound shift in tone within the book, moving from the depths of despair and lament over Jerusalem's destruction to a prophetic declaration of hope and impending justice. This verse marks a turning point, promising an end to Judah's suffering while foretelling the judgment awaiting their adversaries.

Context of Lamentations 4:22

The Book of Lamentations records the sorrowful aftermath of Jerusalem's fall to Babylon in 586 BC, a devastating event that fulfilled many prophetic warnings about Israel's disobedience. Chapter 4 vividly portrays the horrific conditions during the siege and subsequent destruction. Amidst this anguish, verse 22 provides a glimmer of divine promise. It addresses "daughter of Zion," a poetic term for Jerusalem and its inhabitants, assuring them that their period of severe punishment, the Babylonian captivity, is nearing its end. Simultaneously, it pronounces an imminent judgment on "daughter of Edom," a neighboring nation historically hostile to Israel, who often rejoiced in Israel's misfortunes and even participated in their plundering.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Justice and Retribution: The verse powerfully illustrates God's unwavering justice. He disciplines His own people for their sins ("punishment of thine iniquity is accomplished") but also holds other nations accountable for their wickedness and cruelty, especially against His chosen people ("he will visit thine iniquity, O daughter of Edom"). This highlights a core biblical truth: God is sovereign over all nations and will ensure justice.
  • Hope and Restoration for Judah: The declaration "he will no more carry thee away into captivity" is a beacon of hope for the exiled Judahites. It signifies a definitive end to their national humiliation and a promise of future restoration, aligning with God's covenant faithfulness.
  • Unveiling of Hidden Sins: The phrase "he will discover thy sins" for Edom emphasizes that no wrongdoing, however concealed or seemingly overlooked, escapes God's notice. Edom's malicious actions and pride, often detailed in other prophetic books, would be fully exposed and judged.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "accomplished" (ืชึผึทื - tam) signifies something being finished, completed, or brought to an end. For Zion, this means the period of divine chastisement has reached its designated conclusion. The word "visit" (ืคึผึธืงึทื“ - paqad), when applied to Edom, carries the strong connotation of visiting for the purpose of judgment or punishment. Similarly, "discover" (ื’ึผึธืœึธื” - galah) means to uncover, reveal, or expose, indicating that Edom's hidden transgressions would be fully brought to light before their impending judgment.

Practical Application and Reflection

Lamentations 4:22 offers several timeless lessons. Firstly, it reminds us that God's discipline, while painful, has a purpose and a limit. For believers, even through trials, there is the ultimate promise of God working all things for good and bringing an end to suffering. Secondly, it underscores the certainty of divine justice for all. Those who oppose God's purposes or oppress His people will ultimately face consequences for their actions. This provides comfort to the afflicted and a solemn warning to the unrepentant. Finally, it reinforces the truth that God is in sovereign control of history, orchestrating the rise and fall of nations according to His perfect will and righteous judgment.

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

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 40:2

    Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins.

  • Jeremiah 50:20

    In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and [there shall be] none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found: for I will pardon them whom I reserve.

  • Psalms 137:7

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

  • Jeremiah 46:27

    But fear not thou, O my servant Jacob, and be not dismayed, O Israel: for, behold, I will save thee from afar off, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and be in rest and at ease, and none shall make [him] afraid.

  • Jeremiah 46:28

    Fear thou not, O Jacob my servant, saith the LORD: for I [am] with thee; for I will make a full end of all the nations whither I have driven thee: but I will not make a full end of thee, but correct thee in measure; yet will I not leave thee wholly unpunished.

  • Lamentations 4:21

    ยถ 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.

  • Malachi 1:4

    Whereas Edom saith, We are impoverished, but we will return and build the desolate places; thus saith the LORD of hosts, They shall build, but I will throw down; and they shall call them, The border of wickedness, and, The people against whom the LORD hath indignation for ever.
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