Lamentations 5:2

KJV

Our inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens.

KJV (with Strong's)

Our inheritance {H5159} is turned {H2015} to strangers {H2114}, our houses {H1004} to aliens {H5237}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The land we possessed has been passed on to strangers, our homes to foreigners.

Berean Standard Bible

Our inheritance has been turned over to strangers, our houses to foreigners.

American Standard Version

Our inheritance is turned unto strangers, Our houses unto aliens.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 5:2 is a poignant and devastating lament, articulating the profound dispossession and reversal of fortune experienced by the people of Judah following the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem. It vividly portrays the painful reality that their most sacred and foundational possessions—the land divinely promised as their heritage and their personal dwellings, symbols of identity and security—have been violently seized and occupied by foreign invaders, signifying a complete and catastrophic undoing of their national identity and covenantal blessings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Lamentations 5 stands apart from the preceding four chapters by abandoning the acrostic structure, presenting instead a communal prayer or petition that voices the raw, unadulterated cry of the devastated remnant. This shift in form underscores the depth of their anguish and their direct appeal for divine intervention and remembrance. Verse 2, "Our inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens," immediately follows a desperate plea for God to remember their plight and disgrace, setting the somber tone for a litany of suffering and loss that defines the chapter. It serves as a foundational statement, providing concrete evidence of their dispossession and forming the basis for their impassioned appeal to God's justice and mercy. The verse encapsulates the tangible and devastating outcome of the judgment described throughout the book, marking a pivotal moment of national humiliation and profound loss.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for this verse is the catastrophic fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC to the Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar, followed by the forced exile of much of Judah's population. For ancient Israel, land was far more than mere property; it was a foundational element of their covenantal identity, a divine inheritance (*nachalah*) promised by God to Abraham and his descendants, as seen in passages like [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham") and [Genesis 13:15](/genesis/13-15 "Genesis 13:15 - The Land as an Everlasting Possession"). This concept of inheritance was deeply intertwined with their theological understanding of God's faithfulness and their unique relationship with Him. Their homes (*bayith*) were not simply structures but were the very centers of family life, lineage, and religious practice. The seizure of these by "strangers" (*zarim*) and "aliens" (*nokrim*) was therefore an act of profound desecration and a direct violation of their sacred covenant, signifying the ultimate consequence of their persistent disobedience and idolatry, as frequently prophesied by figures like [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/25 "Jeremiah 25 - Prophecy of Babylonian Captivity").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Lamentations and the broader prophetic literature. The most prominent is **Loss and Dispossession**, vividly portraying the complete stripping away of property, identity, and security. The land, a cornerstone of Israel's covenant relationship with God, was lost, signifying a profound spiritual and national crisis, a direct consequence of breaking the covenant stipulations outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Closely related is the theme of **Foreign Occupation and Humiliation**, where the oppressive presence of "strangers" and "aliens" underscores the painful reality of foreign domination and the defilement of sacred space by those who did not worship Yahweh. Finally, while not explicitly stated in this verse, the entire book of Lamentations, and indeed the broader prophetic narrative, frames this devastation as the direct **Consequence of Sin and Divine Judgment**. The suffering described is understood as God's righteous judgment upon Judah for its persistent rebellion and idolatry, as seen in passages like [Lamentations 1:8](/lamentations/1-8 "Lamentations 1:8 - Jerusalem's Sin and Fall").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Inheritance (Hebrew, _nachălâh'_):** From H5159, this term properly signifies something inherited, an occupancy, an heirloom, or generally an estate or patrimony. In the context of Israel, "inheritance" refers primarily to the land of Canaan, divinely promised and apportioned to the tribes as a perpetual possession. Its "turning to strangers" implies a profound theological crisis, as it challenges the very notion of God's covenant faithfulness and Israel's secure place within that covenant. It represents the loss of their foundational identity, security, and the physical manifestation of God's blessing.
* **Turned (Hebrew, _hâphak'_):** From H2015, this primitive root means "to turn about or over," by implication, "to change, overturn, return, or pervert." The use of "turned" here is forceful and absolute, indicating a radical and violent reversal of fortune. It's not a gradual shift but a decisive, catastrophic transformation where what was rightfully theirs has been forcibly inverted to belong to others, highlighting the sudden and total nature of their dispossession and the complete upheaval of their world.
* **Aliens (Hebrew, _nokrîy'_):** From H5237, this word denotes someone strange, foreign, or non-relative, often carrying connotations of being outlandish or even adulterous in other biblical contexts. Here, paired with "strangers" (H2114, _zûwr_), it emphatically describes the non-Israelite, non-covenantal nature of the occupiers. Their presence signifies not just economic or material loss but spiritual defilement and a profound breach of the sacred boundaries that defined Israel's unique relationship with God and their land, underscoring the illegitimacy of the foreign presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Our inheritance is turned to strangers":** This clause laments the devastating loss of the land of Israel, which was understood as a divine gift and a perpetual inheritance from God to His covenant people. The verb "turned" (H2015, _hâphak_) powerfully conveys a violent, complete reversal of ownership and status, indicating that what was rightfully theirs has been forcibly seized and now belongs to those outside the covenant community, the "strangers" (H2114, _zûwr_). This signifies not merely a material loss but a profound theological crisis, as the land was integral to their identity and their very relationship with Yahweh.
* **"our houses to aliens":** This second clause functions in synonymous parallelism with the first, intensifying the lament by focusing on the personal and domestic realm. "Our houses" (H1004, _bayith_) represent not just physical dwellings but the family units, lineage, and the sense of security and belonging they provided. The phrase "to aliens" (H5237, _nokrîy_) reiterates and reinforces the foreign, illegitimate, and unwelcome nature of the new occupants. The parallelism emphasizes the totality of the loss—from national patrimony to individual homes—and the complete violation of their sacred space and personal security by those who had no rightful claim.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 5:2 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of profound loss and despair. The most evident is **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause ("our houses to aliens") reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first clause ("Our inheritance is turned to strangers"). This repetition emphasizes the complete and comprehensive nature of their dispossession, affecting both their national identity (the land, their inheritance) and their personal security (their homes). The language also contains elements of **Metonymy**, where "inheritance" stands for the land itself and all that it represents (covenant, identity, security), and "houses" represent families, lineage, and personal sanctuary. The use of "turned" suggests a forceful, almost violent, **Inversion** or reversal of their divinely ordained status, highlighting the catastrophic shift in their circumstances. The terms "strangers" and "aliens" are used with strong negative connotations, highlighting the profound sense of **Otherness** and illegitimacy of the occupiers, deepening the sense of violation and injustice felt by the lamenters.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 5:2 speaks powerfully to the theological themes of divine judgment, covenant faithfulness, and the devastating consequences of sin. The loss of the land, the very inheritance God had promised, underscores the seriousness of Israel's covenant violations. While God is faithful to His promises, He is also righteous in His judgment, allowing the very blessings He bestowed to be withdrawn when His people persist in rebellion. This verse reminds us that privilege comes with profound responsibility, and persistent disobedience can lead to profound loss, even of what was once considered an unshakeable inheritance. Yet, even in this profound desolation, the act of lamenting itself is a theological act, a desperate cry to a God who is believed to still hear, even if His face seems hidden. It points to the enduring hope that God's ultimate faithfulness will prevail, and that even a lost earthly inheritance can, in His mercy, be restored or superseded by a greater, eternal one.

* [Deuteronomy 28:49-52](/deuteronomy/28-49-52 "Deuteronomy 28:49-52 - Prophecy of Foreign Invasion and Siege")
* [Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Belongs to God")
* [Psalm 105:11](/psalms/105-11 "Psalm 105:11 - God's Covenant Promise of Land to Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 5:2 serves as a sobering reminder that even what seems most secure—our possessions, our homes, our sense of belonging, and even our spiritual blessings—can be profoundly disrupted or lost due to our own choices or the brokenness of the world. For the people of Judah, their inheritance was not just property but a sacred symbol of their covenant with God. Their devastating loss reminds us of the transient nature of earthly security and the paramount importance of anchoring our hope in something infinitely more enduring: God Himself. This verse calls us to reflect deeply on our own "inheritances"—our spiritual blessings in Christ, our material possessions, our relationships, and our very identity—and to consider how faithfully we are stewarding them. Are we living in a way that honors the Giver of all good things, or are we, through our choices and priorities, allowing spiritual "strangers" (such as idolatry, persistent sin, or worldly pursuits) to claim what is rightfully ours in Christ? The lament also profoundly invites us to cultivate empathy for those who experience displacement, loss, and the profound injustice of having their homes and heritage violently taken from them, prompting us to pray for and act on behalf of the dispossessed, the refugees, and the marginalized in our world today.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "inheritances" in your life (spiritual, relational, material) do you often take for granted, and how might you better steward them as gifts from God?**
* **In what ways might spiritual "strangers" or "aliens" (e.g., sin, worldly desires, apathy, ungodly influences) be encroaching upon your spiritual "house" or "inheritance" in Christ?**
* **How does this verse challenge your understanding of security and permanence in an earthly sense, and where do you find your ultimate security?**
* **How does the suffering described here inform your prayers and actions for those experiencing displacement, loss, or injustice in the world today?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the land being called an "inheritance" in this verse?**

Answer: The land of Canaan was not merely a geographical territory but a central component of God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants. It was a divine gift, a perpetual "inheritance" (*nachalah*) promised by God, symbolizing His faithfulness, their identity as His chosen people, and the place where His presence would dwell. Its loss to "strangers" and "aliens" in [Lamentations 5:2](/lamentations/5-2 "Lamentations 5:2 - Our Inheritance Turned to Strangers") signifies a profound theological crisis, challenging the very foundation of their covenant relationship and raising questions about God's perceived abandonment. It represents the ultimate consequence of their disobedience, a reversal of divine blessing into judgment, and the painful experience of being dispossessed from the very place that defined their national and spiritual identity.

**How does this verse relate to the broader themes of judgment and restoration in the Bible?**

Answer: [Lamentations 5:2](/lamentations/5-2 "Lamentations 5:2 - Our Inheritance Turned to Strangers") serves as a stark illustration of divine judgment for Israel's persistent sin and rebellion against God's covenant. The dispossession of their land and homes was a direct fulfillment of the curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses") for disobedience. However, even within the context of lament, the Bible consistently holds out the hope of restoration. While this verse focuses on the depth of loss, the broader prophetic narrative, including parts of Jeremiah ([Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10-14 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - Promises of Restoration")) and Ezekiel ([Ezekiel 36:24-28](/ezekiel/36-24-28 "Ezekiel 36:24-28 - New Heart and Spirit")), promises a future return from exile and a spiritual renewal, pointing towards God's ultimate faithfulness to His covenant promises, even after judgment. This tension between the painful reality of judgment and the enduring hope of restoration is a recurring and vital theme throughout the biblical narrative.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamentations 5:2, with its poignant cry over a lost earthly inheritance and homes seized by aliens, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment and transformation in the New Testament. While ancient Israel lost its promised land due to covenant unfaithfulness and sin, Christ came to secure for all believers a far greater, eternal inheritance that can never be lost, corrupted, or seized. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus reconciles us to God, transforming us from spiritual "aliens and strangers" to "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - No Longer Strangers")). He is the true heir of all things, and through faith in Him, we become co-heirs with Him, receiving an "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). The earthly houses lost by Judah foreshadow the spiritual homelessness of humanity alienated from God by sin, a profound condition remedied by Christ, who promises to prepare a place for us in His Father's house, where we will dwell with Him forever ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place")). Thus, the lament for a lost earthly inheritance is transformed into a celebration of a secure, heavenly inheritance found only in Christ, who restores our true home and belonging in God's eternal kingdom.

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

Zephaniah 1:13

Therefore their goods shall become a booty, and their houses a desolation: they shall also build houses, but not inhabit [them]; and they shall plant vineyards, but not drink the wine thereof.

Isaiah 1:7

Your country [is] desolate, your cities [are] burned with fire: your land, strangers devour it in your presence, and [it is] desolate, as overthrown by strangers.

Psalms 79:1

¶ A Psalm of Asaph. O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.

Psalms 79:2

The dead bodies of thy servants have they given [to be] meat unto the fowls of the heaven, the flesh of thy saints unto the beasts of the earth.

Deuteronomy 28:30

Thou shalt betroth a wife, and another man shall lie with her: thou shalt build an house, and thou shalt not dwell therein: thou shalt plant a vineyard, and shalt not gather the grapes thereof.

Deuteronomy 28:68

And the LORD shall bring thee into Egypt again with ships, by the way whereof I spake unto thee, Thou shalt see it no more again: and there ye shall be sold unto your enemies for bondmen and bondwomen, and no man shall buy [you].

Isaiah 63:18

The people of thy holiness have possessed [it] but a little while: our adversaries have trodden down thy sanctuary.