Lamentations 2:20
Lamentations 2:20 in Multiple Translations
Look, O LORD, and consider: Whom have You ever treated like this? Should women eat their offspring, the infants they have nurtured? Should priests and prophets be killed in the sanctuary of the Lord?
¶ Behold, O LORD, and consider to whom thou hast done this. Shall the women eat their fruit, and children of a span long? shall the priest and the prophet be slain in the sanctuary of the Lord?
See, O Jehovah, and behold to whom thou hast done thus! Shall the women eat their fruit, the children that are dandled in the hands? Shall the priest and the prophet be slain in the sanctuary of the Lord?
Look! O Lord, see to whom you have done this! Are the women to take as their food the fruit of their bodies, the children who are folded in their arms? are the priest and the prophet to be put to death in the holy place of the Lord?
Lord, please think about it! Who have you ever treated this way? Should women have to eat their children, the little ones they love? Should priests and prophets be killed in the Lord's Temple?
Beholde, O Lord, and consider to whome thou hast done thus: shall the women eate their fruite, and children of a spanne long? shall the Priest and the Prophet be slaine in the Sanctuarie of the Lord?
See, O Jehovah, and look attentively, To whom Thou hast acted thus, Do women eat their fruit, infants of a handbreadth? Slain in the sanctuary of the Lord are priest and prophet?
“Look, LORD, and see to whom you have done thus! Should the women eat their offspring, the children that they held and bounced on their knees? Should the priest and the prophet be killed in the sanctuary of the Lord?
Behold, O LORD, and consider to whom thou hast done this. Shall the women eat their fruit, children of a span long? shall the priest and the prophet be slain in the sanctuary of the LORD?
Res. Behold, O Lord, and consider whom thou hast thus dealt with: shall women then eat their own fruit, their children of a span long? shall the priest and the prophet be slain in the sanctuary of the Lord?
Yahweh, look, and think about it! Have you ever [RHQ] caused people to suffer like this before? It is certainly not right that [RHQ] women are eating the flesh of their own children, the children whom they have always taken care of! It is not right that [RHQ] priests and prophets are being killed in your own temple!
Berean Amplified Bible — Lamentations 2:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Lamentations 2:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
רְאֵ֤ה
יְהוָה֙
וְֽ/הַבִּ֔יטָ/ה
לְ/מִ֖י
עוֹלַ֣לְתָּ
כֹּ֑ה
אִם
תֹּאכַ֨לְנָה
נָשִׁ֤ים
פִּרְיָ/ם֙
עֹלֲלֵ֣י
טִפֻּחִ֔ים
אִם
יֵהָרֵ֛ג
בְּ/מִקְדַּ֥שׁ
אֲדֹנָ֖/י
כֹּהֵ֥ן
וְ/נָבִֽיא
רְאֵ֤ה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וְֽ/הַבִּ֔יטָ/ה
nâbaṭ
H5027
to look
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
לְ/מִ֖י
mîy
H4310
who?
Prep | Part
עוֹלַ֣לְתָּ
ʻâlal
H5953
to abuse
V-m-Perf-2ms
כֹּ֑ה
kôh
H3541
thus
Adv
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
תֹּאכַ֨לְנָה
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
נָשִׁ֤ים
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fp
פִּרְיָ/ם֙
pᵉrîy
H6529
fruit
N-ms | Suff
עֹלֲלֵ֣י
ʻôwlêl
H5768
infant
N-mp
טִפֻּחִ֔ים
ṭippuch
H2949
tender care
N-mp
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
יֵהָרֵ֛ג
hârag
H2026
to kill
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
בְּ/מִקְדַּ֥שׁ
miqdâsh
H4720
sanctuary
Prep | N-ms
אֲדֹנָ֖/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
כֹּהֵ֥ן
kôhên
H3548
priest
N-ms
וְ/נָבִֽיא
nâbîyʼ
H5030
prophet
Conj | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Lamentations 2:20
רְאֵ֤ה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וְֽ/הַבִּ֔יטָ/ה
nâbaṭ
H5027
"to look"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
This verb means to look or regard something carefully. It can also mean to show favor or care for someone. In the Bible, it is used to describe how God looks at his people with favor and care, as seen in Psalm 138:6.
Definition: 1) to look, regard 1a) (Piel) to look 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) tolook 1b2) to regard, show regard to, pay attention to, consider 1b3) to look upon, regard, show regard to
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) behold, consider, look (down), regard, have respect, see. See also: Genesis 15:5; Psalms 104:32; Psalms 10:14.
לְ/מִ֖י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Prep | Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
עוֹלַ֣לְתָּ
ʻâlal
H5953
"to abuse"
V-m-Perf-2ms
To thrust or push something is what this Hebrew word means, and it can also imply treating someone poorly. It is used in various ways in the Bible, including to describe abuse or mocking. The KJV translates it as abuse or mock.
Definition: 1) to act severely, deal with severely, make a fool of someone 1a) (Poel) to act severely 1b) (Poal) to be severely dealt with 1c) (Hithpael) to busy oneself, divert oneself, deal wantonly, deal ruthlessly, abuse (by thrusting through) 1d) (Hithpoel) to practise practices, thrust forth (in wickedness)
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: abuse, affect, [idiom] child, defile, do, glean, mock, practise, thoroughly, work (wonderfully). See also: Exodus 10:2; Job 16:15; Psalms 141:4.
כֹּ֑ה
kôh
H3541
"thus"
Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
תֹּאכַ֨לְנָה
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
נָשִׁ֤ים
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fp
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
פִּרְיָ/ם֙
pᵉrîy
H6529
"fruit"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means the fruit that comes from the ground or from our actions. It is used in many books, including Genesis and Isaiah, to describe the results of our labor or the consequences of our choices.
Definition: 1) fruit 1a) fruit, produce (of the ground) 1b) fruit, offspring, children, progeny (of the womb) 1c) fruit (of actions) (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: bough, (first-)fruit(-ful), reward. See also: Genesis 1:11; Proverbs 18:20; Psalms 1:3.
עֹלֲלֵ֣י
ʻôwlêl
H5768
"infant"
N-mp
This word refers to a young child or infant, often describing a baby or toddler. It is used in the Bible to describe the early stages of life.
Definition: child, boy
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: babe, (young) child, infant, little one. See also: 1 Samuel 15:3; Jeremiah 44:7; Psalms 8:3.
טִפֻּחִ֔ים
ṭippuch
H2949
"tender care"
N-mp
This word means tender care or nursing, like a mother caring for her child. Although it is not directly used in the Bible, related words convey the idea of gentle care and nurturing love, like in Psalm 131:2.
Definition: tender care, dandling
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: span long. See also: Lamentations 2:20.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
יֵהָרֵ֛ג
hârag
H2026
"to kill"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
To kill or slay with intent, as seen in the Bible when God instructs the Israelites to destroy certain nations. This word is used in various forms, including to murder or destroy. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) to kill, slay, murder, destroy, murderer, slayer, out of hand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kill, slay 1a2) to destroy, ruin 1b) (Niphal) to be killed 1c) (Pual) to be killed, be slain
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: destroy, out of hand, kill, murder(-er), put to (death), make (slaughter), slay(-er), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:8; 2 Kings 8:12; Psalms 10:8.
בְּ/מִקְדַּ֥שׁ
miqdâsh
H4720
"sanctuary"
Prep | N-ms
A sanctuary or holy place, like a temple or palace, set apart for God or idols, a sacred space.
Definition: 1) sacred place, sanctuary, holy place 1a) sanctuary 1a1) of the temple 1a2) of the tabernacle 1a3) of Ezekiel's temple 1a4) of Jehovah
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: chapel, hallowed part, holy place, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 15:17; Lamentations 1:10; Psalms 68:36.
אֲדֹנָ֖/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
"Lord"
N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
כֹּהֵ֥ן
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
N-ms
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
וְ/נָבִֽיא
nâbîyʼ
H5030
"prophet"
Conj | N-ms
A prophet is someone who speaks for God, like a spokesperson. This word is used in the Bible to describe true and false prophets, like those in 1 and 2 Kings.
Definition: 1) spokesman, speaker, prophet 1a) prophet 1b) false prophet 1c) heathen prophet Aramaic equivalent: ne.vi (נְבִיא "prophet" H5029)
Usage: Occurs in 288 OT verses. KJV: prophecy, that prophesy, prophet. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Kings 24:2; Psalms 51:2.
Study Notes — Lamentations 2:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Lamentations 2:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 2:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 2:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 2:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 2:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 2:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 2:20
- Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 2:20
- Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 2:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 2:20
- Sermons on Lamentations 2:20
Context — God’s Anger over Jerusalem
18The hearts of the people cry out to the Lord. O wall of the Daughter of Zion, let your tears run down like a river day and night. Give yourself no relief, and your eyes no rest.
19Arise, cry out in the night from the first watch of the night. Pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to Him for the lives of your children who are fainting from hunger on the corner of every street.
20Look, O LORD, and consider: Whom have You ever treated like this? Should women eat their offspring, the infants they have nurtured? Should priests and prophets be killed in the sanctuary of the Lord?
21Both young and old lie together in the dust of the streets. My young men and maidens have fallen by the sword. You have slain them in the day of Your anger; You have slaughtered them without compassion. 22You summoned my terrors on every side, as for the day of an appointed feast. In the day of the LORD’s anger no one escaped or survived; my enemy has destroyed those I nurtured and reared.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 19:9 | I will make them eat the flesh of their sons and daughters, and they will eat one another’s flesh in the siege and distress inflicted on them by their enemies who seek their lives.’ |
| 2 | Lamentations 4:10 | The hands of compassionate women have cooked their own children, who became their food in the destruction of the daughter of my people. |
| 3 | Psalms 78:64 | His priests fell by the sword, but their widows could not lament. |
| 4 | Exodus 32:11 | But Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God, saying, “O LORD, why does Your anger burn against Your people, whom You brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 9:26 | And I prayed to the LORD and said, “O Lord GOD, do not destroy Your people, Your inheritance, whom You redeemed through Your greatness and brought out of Egypt with a mighty hand. |
| 6 | Lamentations 4:13 | But this was for the sins of her prophets and the guilt of her priests, who shed the blood of the righteous in her midst. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 9:5–6 | And as I listened, He said to the others, “Follow him through the city and start killing; do not show pity or spare anyone! Slaughter the old men, the young men and maidens, the women and children; but do not go near anyone who has the mark. Now begin at My sanctuary.” So they began with the elders who were before the temple. |
| 8 | Isaiah 9:14–17 | So the LORD will cut off Israel’s head and tail, both palm branch and reed in a single day. The head is the elder and honorable man, and the tail is the prophet who teaches lies. For those who guide this people mislead them, and those they mislead are swallowed up. Therefore the Lord takes no pleasure in their young men; He has no compassion on their fatherless and widows. For every one of them is godless and wicked, and every mouth speaks folly. Despite all this, His anger is not turned away; His hand is still upraised. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 23:11–15 | “For both prophet and priest are ungodly; even in My house I have found their wickedness,” declares the LORD. “Therefore their path will become slick; they will be driven away into the darkness and fall into it. For I will bring disaster upon them in the year of their punishment,” declares the LORD. “Among the prophets of Samaria I saw an offensive thing: They prophesied by Baal and led My people Israel astray. And among the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen a horrible thing: They commit adultery and walk in lies. They strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that no one turns his back on wickedness. They are all like Sodom to Me; the people of Jerusalem are like Gomorrah.” Therefore this is what the LORD of Hosts says concerning the prophets: “I will feed them wormwood and give them poisoned water to drink, for from the prophets of Jerusalem ungodliness has spread throughout the land.” |
| 10 | Isaiah 64:8–12 | But now, O LORD, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand. Do not be angry, O LORD, beyond measure; do not remember our iniquity forever. Oh, look upon us, we pray; we are all Your people! Your holy cities have become a wilderness. Zion has become a wasteland and Jerusalem a desolation. Our holy and beautiful temple, where our fathers praised You, has been burned with fire, and all that was dear to us lies in ruins. After all this, O LORD, will You restrain Yourself? Will You keep silent and afflict us beyond measure? |
Lamentations 2:20 Summary
Lamentations 2:20 is a cry to God from the prophet, questioning the severity of His judgment on Jerusalem. The prophet is lamenting the fact that women are eating their own children due to hunger, and priests and prophets are being killed in the temple, which was thought to be a safe and holy place (as seen in Psalm 74:7). This verse shows us that God's judgment can be severe, but it is always just and righteous (as seen in Romans 3:23-24). We can learn from this verse to trust in God's sovereignty, even when we don't understand His actions, and to seek His mercy and forgiveness in times of trouble.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of the question in Lamentations 2:20 about the Lord treating someone in a particular way?
The question in Lamentations 2:20 is about the Lord's judgment on Jerusalem, and the prophet is lamenting the severity of the punishment, referencing the extreme acts of hunger and violence that have occurred, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:53 and Leviticus 26:29.
Is it common in the Bible for prophets to question God's actions?
Yes, it is not uncommon for prophets to express their emotions and questions to God, as seen in Jeremiah 12:1 and Habakkuk 1:2-4, but ultimately, they trust in God's sovereignty and justice.
What is the significance of the sanctuary of the Lord in Lamentations 2:20?
The sanctuary of the Lord refers to the temple in Jerusalem, which was considered a holy and safe place, but in this verse, it has become a place of violence and death, highlighting the extreme nature of God's judgment, as also seen in Ezekiel 9:7.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Lamentations?
This verse is part of the lamentation of the prophet over the destruction of Jerusalem, and it highlights the severity of God's judgment, while also expressing the prophet's trust in God's justice and sovereignty, as seen in Lamentations 3:22-23.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have seen or experienced God's judgment in my life, and how have I responded to it?
- How can I balance my emotions and questions about God's actions with trust in His sovereignty and justice?
- What are some ways that I can identify with the prophet's lamentation in this verse, and how can I apply it to my own life?
- How does this verse challenge my understanding of God's character, and what can I learn from it about His justice and mercy?
Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 2:20
Behold, O Lord, and consider to whom thou hast done this,.... On whom thou hast brought these calamities of famine and sword; not upon thine enemies, but upon thine own people, that are called by thy
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 2:20
Behold, O LORD, and consider to whom thou hast done this. Shall the women eat their fruit, and children of a span long? shall the priest and the prophet be slain in the sanctuary of the Lord?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 2:20
Consider to whom thou hast done this; that is, not to heathen, who never owned thee, nor were called by thy name, but to thine own people, called thy portion and thine heritage; let thy former relation to us, and our former acknowledgments of thee, prevail with thee. Wilt thou suffer, or should such a thing be, as for women to satisfy their hunger with the fruit of their own bodies, and that when they are very young? And shall thy ministers be slain, and that in thy sanctuary? Any human blood polluted it; shall not the blood of those that were the ministers of God be judged a pollution and profanation of it?
Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 2:20
Lamentations 2:20 Behold, O LORD, and consider to whom thou hast done this. Shall the women eat their fruit, [and] children of a span long? shall the priest and the prophet be slain in the sanctuary of the Lord?Ver. 20. Behold, O Lord, and consider to whom thou hast done this.] Even to thine own inheritances, who suffer harder and heavier things commonly than any others. And why? Ingentia beneficia, ingentia flagitia, ingentia supplicia; their offences are increased, their punishments are aggravated by their obligations. Shall the women eat their fruit, children of a span long?] That they did so in the siege of Jerusalem by the Chaldees, it appeareth by this question. In the famine of Samaria, under Joram, they did likewise; as also at the last destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans; and at the siege of Sancerra, in France, A.D. 1572. See the sad effects of sin, and shun it, if but for the ill consequents of it. Shall the priest and the prophet be slain in the sanctuary of the Lord?] It seems they were so - but who they were we read not - although God had cautioned, "Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm." Priests were slaughtered, where they used to slaughter beasts for sacrifices; but it may be they were nothing better than Thomas Becket, the devil’ s martyr, here, and Adam Benton, that butcherly archbishop in Scotland, who, when himself was butchered, cried out, Kill me not, for I am a priest. Joseph. de Bel., lib. vii. cap. 8.
Acts and Mon.
Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 2:20
(20) To whom thou hast done this—i.e., not to a heathen nation, but to the people whom Jehovah Himself had chosen. Shall the women eat their fruit.—Atrocities of this nature had been predicted in Leviticus 26:26; Deuteronomy 28:57; Jeremiah 19:9. They were, indeed, the natural incidents of a besieged city reduced to starvation, as in the case of Samaria (2 Kings 6:28), and the siege of Jerusalem by the Romans (Jos., B. J. v. 12), and had been witnessed, as the words show, in that by the Chaldæans. (Comp., as to the famine, Ezekiel 4:16-17; Ezekiel 5:16.) Shall the priest . . .—Stress is laid on this as being the next element of horror. The very Holy of Holies was profaned with the blood of the priests and prophets of Jehovah.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 2:20
Verse 20. Consider to whom thou hast done this] Perhaps the best sense of this difficult verse is this: "Thou art our Father, we are thy children; wilt thou destroy thy own offspring? Was it ever heard that a mother devoured her own child, a helpless infant of a span long?" That it was foretold that there should be such distress in the siege, - that mothers should be obliged to eat their own children, is evident enough from Leviticus 26:29; Deuteronomy 28:53; Deuteronomy 28:56-57; but the former view of the subject seems the most natural and is best supported by the context. The priest and the prophet are slain; the young and old lie on the ground in the streets; the virgins and young men are fallen by the sword. "THOU hast slain them in the day of thine anger; THOU hast killed, and not pitied." See Lamentations 4:10.
Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 2:20
20. Here begins the prayer made in response to the prophet’s exhortation. The questions are rhetorical and mean (although the verbs are in the future), Wilt thou look with unconcern at the things which have been done? For the state of things (foretold Jeremiah 19:9; Deuteronomy 28:53) cp. 2 Kings 6:25-30. behold, to whom thou hast done thus] viz. Thy chosen ones of old. that are dandled in the hands] The thought of maternal tenderness in the forms in which it would ordinarily be displayed towards children of that age heightens the effect of the picture.
Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 2:20
The sense is: “See, Yahweh, and look! whom hast Thou treated thus? Shall women eat their fruit - children whom they must still carry?” the swaddled child being one still needing to be nursed and borne in their arms.
Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 2:20
THE PRAYER, Lamentations 2:20-22.20. Behold, O Lord, etc. — The prayer of the prophet. The fearful picture has been seen, the cries of distress and agony have been heard, and the prophet weaves out of them an argument of prayer.
Sermons on Lamentations 2:20
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Esther - Prayer Meeting by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a fixed heart in times of trouble. He warns that America is heading towards serious trouble and those whose hearts |
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Marks of True Revival by Richard Owen Roberts | This sermon emphasizes the importance of true revival, distinguishing between genuine and false revivals. It delves into the necessity of God's presence and the rapid spread of His |
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Who Qualifies to Stand in the Gap? by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the critical role of intercession in his sermon 'Who Qualifies to Stand in the Gap?', using Moses as a prime example of someone who stood in the gap for th |
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California & America Are Worth Fighting For! by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman passionately argues that California and America are worth fighting for, urging believers to take a stand against the moral decline in society. He emphasizes the impor |
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The Effectual Revival Prayer of Moses by Richard Owen Roberts | Richard Owen Roberts delves into the importance of studying and meditating on the prayers in the Bible, emphasizing the profound impact it can have on our spiritual lives. He focus |
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Freedom From Denominationalism by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking God's truth and total freedom from anything that binds us. He encourages humility, servanthood, and having a father |
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(Through the Bible) Ezekiel 6-10 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the difficulty of describing heavenly things in human language. He uses the example of Ezekiel's vision of heavenly beings with four faces to |