Lamentations 2:17

Authorized King James Version

The LORD hath done that which he had devised; he hath fulfilled his word that he had commanded in the days of old: he hath thrown down, and hath not pitied: and he hath caused thine enemy to rejoice over thee, he hath set up the horn of thine adversaries.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עָשָׂ֨ה
H6213
hath done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
יְהוָ֜ה
H3068
The LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#4
זָמָ֗ם
H2161
that which he had devised
to plan, usually in a bad sense
#5
בִּצַּ֤ע
H1214
he hath fulfilled
to break off, i.e., (usually) plunder; figuratively, to finish, or (intransitively) stop
#6
אֶמְרָתוֹ֙
H565
his word
an utterance
#7
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
צִוָּ֣ה
H6680
that he had commanded
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#9
מִֽימֵי
H3117
in the days
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
#10
קֶ֔דֶם
H6924
of old
the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)
#11
הָרַ֖ס
H2040
he hath thrown down
to pull down or in pieces, break, destroy
#12
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#13
חָמָ֑ל
H2550
and hath not pitied
to commiserate; by implication, to spare
#14
וַיְשַׂמַּ֤ח
H8055
to rejoice
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
#15
עָלַ֙יִךְ֙
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#16
אוֹיֵ֔ב
H341
and he hath caused thine enemy
hating; an adversary
#17
הֵרִ֖ים
H7311
over thee he hath set up
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
#18
קֶ֥רֶן
H7161
the horn
a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun
#19
צָרָֽיִךְ׃
H6862
of thine adversaries
a pebble (as in h6864)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Lamentations, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Lamentations.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection