Lamentations 2:17
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.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The covenant warnings given "in the days of old" refer to Moses' farewell addresses in Deuteronomy. After reviewing God's faithfulness and giving the law, Moses laid out blessings for obedience (Deuteronomy 28:1-14) and curses for disobedience (28:15-68). These weren't arbitrary threats but covenant stipulations that defined Israel's relationship with Yahweh.
Specific warnings that came to pass include: cities laid waste (28:16), siege conditions causing famine (28:52-53), cannibalism during siege (28:53-57, fulfilled in 2 Kings 6:28-29 and Lamentations 4:10), death by sword and captivity (28:41, 64), exile among nations where they'd find no rest (28:64-65), and serving foreign gods (28:36).
For over 800 years, these warnings stood. Prophets repeatedly cited them (Isaiah 1:19-20, Jeremiah 11:3-5, Ezekiel 33:12-16). The Northern Kingdom's destruction by Assyria in 722 BC should have warned Judah, but they failed to learn (2 Kings 17:13-20, Jeremiah 3:6-10). When Babylon came, God executed exactly what He promised centuries before, demonstrating absolute faithfulness to His word—a terrifying and reassuring reality.
This principle—that God always does what He promises—is foundational to biblical faith. Numbers 23:19 declares, "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it?" His immutability guarantees both judgment on sin and salvation for believers.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's perfect faithfulness in executing warnings give us confidence that He will equally fulfill His promises of salvation and eternal life?
- What does it mean that God 'devised' and 'purposed' judgment from ancient times, and how does this relate to His sovereignty and foreknowledge?
- How should the reality that God sometimes acts 'without pity' in judgment inform our evangelism and urgency in calling sinners to repentance?
- In what ways does Christ satisfy both God's justice (executing threatened judgment) and mercy (fulfilling promised salvation) simultaneously at the cross?
Analysis & Commentary
A sobering theological statement: "The LORD hath done that which he had devised" (asah YHWH asher zamam, עָשָׂה יְהוָה אֲשֶׁר זָמָם). The verb zamam (זָמַם) means to plan, purpose, devise. This wasn't divine reaction to unexpected circumstances but execution of predetermined judgment. God's warnings weren't empty threats but promises of certain consequences for persistent covenant breaking.
The phrase "he hath fulfilled his word that he had commanded in the days of old" (bitse imrato asher tsivah mimei-kedem) references covenant curses in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28. Deuteronomy 28:15-68 describes escalating curses culminating in exile—exactly what occurred. God is absolutely faithful to His word, whether promises or warnings. This should inspire both confidence in His promises and appropriate fear of His warnings.
The result: "he hath thrown down, and hath not pitied" (haras velo chamal). The verb chamal means to spare, pity, have compassion. In judgment, God withheld mercy temporarily because mercy without justice would validate sin. "He hath caused thine enemy to rejoice over thee" shows that God's sovereignty extends even to enemy actions. Yet this severe picture sets up chapter 3's hope: the same God who faithfully executes warnings will faithfully fulfill promises of restoration (3:22-32).