Lamentations 2:1

Authorized King James Version

How hath the Lord covered the daughter of Zion with a cloud in his anger, and cast down from heaven unto the earth the beauty of Israel, and remembered not his footstool in the day of his anger!

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֵיכָה֩

H349

how? or how!; also where

יָעִ֨יב

H5743

covered

to be dense or dark, i.e., to becloud

אַפּֽוֹ׃

H639

in his anger

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

אֲדֹנָי֙

H136

How hath the Lord

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בַּת

H1323

the daughter

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

צִיּ֔וֹן

H6726

of Zion

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

הִשְׁלִ֤יךְ

H7993

and cast down

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

מִשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙

H8064

from heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

#10

אֶ֔רֶץ

H776

unto the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#11

תִּפְאֶ֖רֶת

H8597

the beauty

ornament (abstractly or concretely, literally or figuratively)

#12

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#13

וְלֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#14

זָכַ֥ר

H2142

and remembered

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

#15

הֲדֹם

H1916

not his footstool

a footstool

#16

רַגְלָ֖יו

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

#17

בְּי֥וֹם

H3117

in the day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#18

אַפּֽוֹ׃

H639

in his anger

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Lamentations. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Lamentations chapter 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?