Lamentations 2:3
Lamentations 2:3 in Multiple Translations
In fierce anger He has cut off every horn of Israel and withdrawn His right hand at the approach of the enemy. He has burned in Jacob like a flaming fire that consumes everything around it.
He hath cut off in his fierce anger all the horn of Israel: he hath drawn back his right hand from before the enemy, and he burned against Jacob like a flaming fire, which devoureth round about.
He hath cut off in fierce anger all the horn of Israel; He hath drawn back his right hand from before the enemy: And he hath burned up Jacob like a flaming fire, which devoureth round about.
In his burning wrath every horn of Israel has been cut off; his right hand has been turned back before the attacker: he has put a fire in Jacob, causing destruction round about.
In his fury he has destroyed all of Israel's power, refusing to help as the enemy attacked. He was like a fire blazing in the land of Jacob, burning everything up.
Hee hath cut off in his fierce wrath all the horne of Israel: he hath drawen backe his right hand from before the enemie, and there was kindled in Iaakob like a flame of fire, which deuoured rounde about.
He hath cut off in the heat of anger every horn of Israel, He hath turned backward His right hand From the face of the enemy, And He burneth against Jacob as a flaming fire, It hath devoured round about.
He has cut off all the horn of Israel in fierce anger. He has drawn back his right hand from before the enemy. He has burned up Jacob like a flaming fire, which devours all around.
He hath cut off in his fierce anger all the horn of Israel: he hath drawn back his right hand from before the enemy, and he burned against Jacob like a flaming fire, which devoureth on every side.
Ghimel. He hath broken in his fierce anger all the horn of Israel: he hath drawn back his right hand from before the enemy: and he hath kindled in Jacob as it were a flaming fire devouring round about.
Because he was extremely angry, he has caused Israel to not be powerful [MET] any more. He has refused to assist us when our enemies attacked us. He has destroyed Israel like [SIM] a raging fire destroys everything.
Berean Amplified Bible — Lamentations 2:3
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 2:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
גָּדַ֣ע
בָּֽ/חֳרִי
אַ֗ף
כֹּ֚ל
קֶ֣רֶן
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
הֵשִׁ֥יב
אָח֛וֹר
יְמִינ֖/וֹ
מִ/פְּנֵ֣י
אוֹיֵ֑ב
וַ/יִּבְעַ֤ר
בְּ/יַעֲקֹב֙
כְּ/אֵ֣שׁ
לֶֽהָבָ֔ה
אָכְלָ֖ה
סָבִֽיב
גָּדַ֣ע
gâdaʻ
H1438
to cut down/off
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בָּֽ/חֳרִי
chŏrîy
H2750
burning
Prep | N-ms
אַ֗ף
ʼaph
H639
face
DirObjM
כֹּ֚ל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
קֶ֣רֶן
qeren
H7161
horn
N-cs
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
הֵשִׁ֥יב
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
אָח֛וֹר
ʼâchôwr
H268
back
N-ms
יְמִינ֖/וֹ
yâmîyn
H3225
Ben]jamin
N-fs | Suff
מִ/פְּנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
אוֹיֵ֑ב
ʼôyêb
H341
enemy
V-Qal
וַ/יִּבְעַ֤ר
bâʻar
H1197
to burn
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בְּ/יַעֲקֹב֙
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
Prep | N-proper
כְּ/אֵ֣שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
Prep | N-cs
לֶֽהָבָ֔ה
lehâbâh
H3852
flame
N-fs
אָכְלָ֖ה
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
סָבִֽיב
çâbîyb
H5439
around
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Lamentations 2:3
גָּדַ֣ע
gâdaʻ
H1438
"to cut down/off"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to cut down or destroy something, like a tree. It is used in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to cut, hew, chop, cut down, hew down, hew off, cut off, cut in two, shave off 1a) (Qal) to hew, chop in two 1b) (Niphal) to be chopped off, be hewn off 1c) (Piel) to cut off or down in two, hew off or down in two 1d) (Pual) to chop down, hew down
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: cut (asunder, in sunder, down, off), hew down. See also: Deuteronomy 7:5; Isaiah 10:33; Psalms 75:11.
בָּֽ/חֳרִי
chŏrîy
H2750
"burning"
Prep | N-ms
This word describes intense anger or burning fury, often used to convey a strong sense of passion or outrage. It is used in the Bible to describe fierce emotions, such as the heat of anger or great passion.
Definition: heat (of anger), burning (of anger)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: fierce, [idiom] great, heat. See also: Exodus 11:8; 2 Chronicles 25:10; Isaiah 7:4.
אַ֗ף
ʼaph
H639
"face"
DirObjM
This Hebrew word can mean face, but also anger or nose. It is used to describe someone's countenance or emotions, like anger or patience. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of God's emotions.
Definition: : face 1) nostril, nose, face 2) anger
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: anger(-gry), [phrase] before, countenance, face, [phrase] forebearing, forehead, [phrase] (long-) suffering, nose, nostril, snout, [idiom] worthy, wrath. See also: Genesis 2:7; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalms 2:5.
כֹּ֚ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
קֶ֣רֶן
qeren
H7161
"horn"
N-cs
In the Bible, this word means a horn or a corner, and can also refer to power or a mountain peak. It's used to describe a place called Karnaim, which was conquered by Israel. The KJV translation uses phrases like 'hill' or 'horn' to convey the idea.
Definition: 1) horn 1a) horn 1b) of strength (fig) 1c) flask (container for oil) 1d) horn (as musical instrument) 1e) horn (of horn-like projections on the altar) 1f) of rays of light 1g) hill Aramaic equivalent: qe.ren (קֶ֫רֶן "horn" H7162)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] hill, horn. See also: Genesis 22:13; Psalms 75:5; Psalms 18:3.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
הֵשִׁ֥יב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
אָח֛וֹר
ʼâchôwr
H268
"back"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means the back or rear side of something. It can also refer to a location or direction, like the West. In Genesis, it describes the back of the Tabernacle.
Definition: 1) the back side, the rear 1a) backwards 1b) hereafter (of time) 1c) behind
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: after(-ward), back (part, -side, -ward), hereafter, (be-) hind(-er part), time to come, without. See also: Genesis 49:17; Psalms 129:5; Psalms 9:4.
יְמִינ֖/וֹ
yâmîyn
H3225
"Ben]jamin"
N-fs | Suff
Benjamin was a son of Israel and Rachel, and the brother of Joseph, mentioned in Genesis 35:18. The name also refers to the right hand or south direction.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.35.18; son of: Israel (H3478) and Rachel (H7354); brother of: Joseph (H3130); half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); father of: Bela (H1106A), Becher (H1071), Ashbel (H0788), Gera (H1617), Naaman (H5283), Ehi (H0278), Rosh (H7220), Muppim (H4649), Huppim (H2650H), Ard (H0714), Ahiram (H0297) and Jediael (H3043); also called Jamin at 1Sa.9.1,4; 22.7; 1x Another name of bin.ya.min (בִּנְיָמִין "Benjamin" H1144G)
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] left-handed, right (hand, side), south. See also: Genesis 13:9; Psalms 18:36; Psalms 16:8.
מִ/פְּנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
אוֹיֵ֑ב
ʼôyêb
H341
"enemy"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.
Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national
Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.
וַ/יִּבְעַ֤ר
bâʻar
H1197
"to burn"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To be brutish means to be stupid or barbarous, and can also refer to consuming something by fire or eating. It is used to describe someone who is dull-hearted or unreceptive.
Definition: : burn/ignite 1) to burn, consume, kindle, be kindled 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to begin to burn, be kindled, start burning 1a2) to burn, be burning 1a3) to burn, consume 1a4) Jehovah's wrath, human wrath (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to kindle, burn 1b2) to consume, remove (of guilt) (fig.) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to kindle 1c2) to burn up 1c3) to consume (destroy) 1d) (Pual) to burn
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: be brutish, bring (put, take) away, burn, (cause to) eat (up), feed, heat, kindle, set (on fire), waste. See also: Exodus 3:2; Psalms 39:4; Psalms 2:12.
בְּ/יַעֲקֹב֙
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
"Jacob"
Prep | N-proper
This word is the name of a person, Jacob, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the father of many tribes of Israel. The KJV simply translates it as Jacob.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently Another name of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478) § Jacob = "heel holder" or "supplanter" son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, and father of the 12 patriarchs of the tribes of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 319 OT verses. KJV: Jacob. See also: Genesis 25:26; Genesis 34:1; Psalms 14:7.
כְּ/אֵ֣שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
Prep | N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
לֶֽהָבָ֔ה
lehâbâh
H3852
"flame"
N-fs
This word refers to a flame or the tip of a weapon, like the head of a spear. It describes something sharp or pointed, often used in battle.
Definition: 1) flame 2) tip of weapon, point, head of spear
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: flame(-ming), head (of a spear). See also: Numbers 21:28; Isaiah 43:2; Psalms 29:7.
אָכְלָ֖ה
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
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.
סָבִֽיב
çâbîyb
H5439
"around"
N-cs
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
Study Notes — Lamentations 2:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Lamentations 2:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 2:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 2:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 2:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 2:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 2:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 2:3
- Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 2:3
- Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 2:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 2:3
- Sermons on Lamentations 2:3
Context — God’s Anger over Jerusalem
1How the Lord has covered the Daughter of Zion with the cloud of His anger! He has cast the glory of Israel from heaven to earth. He has abandoned His footstool in the day of His anger.
2Without pity the Lord has swallowed up all the dwellings of Jacob. In His wrath He has demolished the fortified cities of the Daughter of Judah. He brought to the ground and defiled her kingdom and its princes.
3In fierce anger He has cut off every horn of Israel and withdrawn His right hand at the approach of the enemy. He has burned in Jacob like a flaming fire that consumes everything around it.
4He has bent His bow like an enemy; His right hand is positioned. Like a foe He has killed all who were pleasing to the eye; He has poured out His wrath like fire on the tent of the Daughter of Zion. 5The Lord is like an enemy; He has swallowed up Israel. He has swallowed up all her palaces and destroyed her strongholds. He has multiplied mourning and lamentation for the Daughter of Judah.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 74:11 | Why do You withdraw Your strong right hand? Stretch it out to destroy them! |
| 2 | Psalms 75:10 | “All the horns of the wicked I will cut off, but the horns of the righteous will be exalted.” |
| 3 | Psalms 75:5 | Do not lift up your horn against heaven or speak with an outstretched neck.’” |
| 4 | Isaiah 42:25 | So He poured out on them His furious anger and the fierceness of battle. It enveloped them in flames, but they did not understand; it consumed them, but they did not take it to heart. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 48:25 | The horn of Moab has been cut off, and his arm is broken,” declares the LORD. |
| 6 | Psalms 89:46 | How long, O LORD? Will You hide Yourself forever? Will Your wrath keep burning like fire? |
| 7 | Psalms 79:5 | How long, O LORD? Will You be angry forever? Will Your jealousy burn like fire? |
| 8 | Jeremiah 21:14 | I will punish you as your deeds deserve, declares the LORD. I will kindle a fire in your forest that will consume everything around you.’” |
| 9 | Jeremiah 4:4 | Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and remove the foreskins of your hearts, O men of Judah and people of Jerusalem. Otherwise, My wrath will break out like fire and burn with no one to extinguish it, because of your evil deeds.” |
| 10 | Job 16:15 | I have sewn sackcloth over my skin; I have buried my horn in the dust. |
Lamentations 2:3 Summary
[This verse describes a time when God's people, Israel, had turned away from Him, and as a result, He withdrew His protection and allowed their enemies to defeat them. This was a painful and difficult time for Israel, but it was also a time of correction and refinement, as God sought to draw them back to Himself. As we read this verse, we can remember that God is a God of both justice and mercy, and that His discipline is always intended to bring us closer to Him (Hebrews 12:6). We can trust that even in difficult times, God is working to refine and transform us, just like a fire refines and purifies gold (1 Peter 1:7).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to 'cut off every horn of Israel' in Lamentations 2:3?
This phrase symbolizes God's removal of Israel's strength and power, leaving them vulnerable to their enemies, much like Psalm 75:10 says, 'All the horns of the wicked I will cut off, but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up.'
Why does the Bible describe God's anger as a 'flaming fire' in this verse?
The image of a flaming fire conveys the intense and all-consuming nature of God's wrath, similar to what is described in Deuteronomy 4:24, 'For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.'
Is God's withdrawal of His right hand a sign of His abandonment of Israel?
While it may seem that way, God's withdrawal of His right hand is a temporary act of judgment, as seen in Psalm 74:11, 'Why do You withdraw Your hand, even Your right hand?' God's ultimate plan is to restore and redeem His people, as promised in Jeremiah 31:3, 'I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have drawn you with loving-kindness.'
How can we reconcile God's fierce anger with His love and mercy?
The Bible teaches that God's anger and love are not mutually exclusive, but rather, they are two sides of the same coin, as seen in Exodus 34:6-7, 'The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I have experienced God's discipline or correction in my life, and how have I responded to it?
- How can I balance the truth of God's fierce anger with the reality of His loving mercy and grace in my own life?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to surrender to God's refining fire, allowing Him to purify and transform me?
- In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty, even when I don't understand His ways or timing, just like the prophet Jeremiah did in Lamentations?
Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 2:3
He hath cut off in [his] fierce anger all the horn of Israel,.... All its power and strength, especially its kingly power, which is often signified by a horn in Scripture; see Daniel 7:24; this the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 2:3
He hath cut off in his fierce anger all the horn of Israel: he hath drawn back his right hand from before the enemy, and he burned against Jacob like a flaming fire, which devoureth round about.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 2:3
He hath cut off in his fierce anger all the horn of Israel; that is, the beauty and strength of Israel, so horn signifieth by a usual metaphor in Scripture, , &c., the horn being much the beauty of the beast, as also that member by which the beast puts forth its strength in assaulting its adversary. He hath drawn back his right hand from before the enemy; either God hath drawn back his assistance which he was wont to give the Jews against their enemies; or Israel, through God’ s leaving of them, hath drawn back his right hand; but it seems rather to be understood of God’ s weakening the Israelites’ right hands, so as they were not able to hold them up (as before) against their enemies. He burned against Jacob like a flaming fire, which devoureth round about; God had consumed them, not in this or that part, but round about, as a fire seizing a house or heap of combustible matter at once, on all sides.
Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 2:3
Lamentations 2:3 He hath cut off in [his] fierce anger all the horn of Israel: he hath drawn back his right hand from before the enemy, and he burned against Jacob like a flaming fire, [which] devoureth round about.Ver. 3. He hath cut off in his anger all the horn of Israel,] i.e., All the strength and beauty, the royal majesty especially. He hath drawn back his right hand.] Wherewith he was wont to shelter them and to fight for them. Or, Israel’ s right hand - scil., by disabling them; for it is God that strengtheneth and weakeneth the arm of either party. And he burned against Jacob.] Or, In Jacob - i.e., He declareth his displeasure among his people as clearly as a flame of fire that is easily discerned.
Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 2:3
(3) All the horn of Israel . . .—The horn, as elsewhere (1 Samuel 2:1; Psalms 92:10; Psalms 112:9), is the symbol of strength, aggressive or defensive, and may therefore stand here for every element of strength, warriors, rulers, fortresses. He burned against Jacob.—Better, And He kindled a burning; i.e., was as one who applies the torch.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 2:3
Verse 3. The horn of Israel] His power and strength. It is a metaphor taken from cattle, whose principal strength lies in their horns. Hath drawn back his right hand] He did not support us when our enemies came against us.
Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 2:3
3. Jehovah has (a) cut off the mighty ones of Israel, (b) withdrawn His own protection from His people, (c) taken the offensive against them. all the horn] mg. every horn, the horn being the symbol of power. burned up Jacob] He has carried destruction into the heart of the nation.
Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 2:3
Since the horn is the symbol of power, the cutting off of every horn means the depriving Israel of all power of resistance.
Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 2:3
3. Cut off… the horn — Symbolizing all offensive and defensive power. Among a people so simple and so near to nature “the horn” would be a most natural and expressive symbol of dominion and power.
Sermons on Lamentations 2:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Psalm 75 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on the importance of giving thanks to God for His wondrous works, emphasizing that our souls are robbed of delight when we do not engage in this joyful exercise. |
|
Call for True Laborers by Walter Beuttler | Walter Beuttler shares his upcoming missionary journey to France, West Africa, Ivory Coast, Indonesia, Australia, and back to Africa, highlighting the divine appointments God gives |
|
|
Esther, the Power of Divine Providence by Walter Beuttler | Walter Beuttler preaches on the power of God's providence as seen in the Book of Esther, where God's hand is evident despite His name not being mentioned. The sermon emphasizes how |
|
Some Considerations Proposed to the City of London, &C. by Isaac Penington | Isaac Penington preaches a sermon urging the City of London and the nation of England to calm their spirits and wait for the Lord's plans, cautioning against rushing into ruin and |
|
Rev. 6:10. How Long? by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar explores the profound question 'How long?' as expressed in Revelation 6:10, emphasizing its significance in human experience and divine communication. He categorizes |
|
Casting Away All Confidence in Self by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of true worship and dependence on God, highlighting the need to cut off all confidence in oneself and to worship in the spirit. It delves into |
|
Day 48, Galatians 1 by David Servant | David Servant delves into the letter of Galatians, written by Paul around 48 A.D., to address the unique problem of a distorted gospel that had surfaced among the churches. The ear |