Lamentations 2:2

Authorized King James Version

The Lord hath swallowed up all the habitations of Jacob, and hath not pitied: he hath thrown down in his wrath the strong holds of the daughter of Judah; he hath brought them down to the ground: he hath polluted the kingdom and the princes thereof.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בִּלַּ֨ע

H1104

hath swallowed up

to make away with (specifically by swallowing); generally, to destroy

אֲדֹנָ֜י

H136

The Lord

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

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

חָמַ֗ל

H2550

and hath not pitied

to commiserate; by implication, to spare

אֵ֚ת

H853

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

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

נְא֣וֹת

H4999

all the habitations

a home; figuratively, a pasture

יַעֲקֹ֔ב

H3290

of Jacob

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

הָרַ֧ס

H2040

he hath thrown down

to pull down or in pieces, break, destroy

#10

בְּעֶבְרָת֛וֹ

H5678

in his wrath

an outburst of passion

#11

מִבְצְרֵ֥י

H4013

the strong holds

a fortification, castle, or fortified city; figuratively, a defender

#12

בַת

H1323

of the daughter

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

#13

יְהוּדָ֖ה

H3063

of Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

#14

הִגִּ֣יעַ

H5060

he hath brought them down

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

#15

לָאָ֑רֶץ

H776

to the ground

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#16

חִלֵּ֥ל

H2490

he hath polluted

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

#17

מַמְלָכָ֖ה

H4467

the kingdom

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

#18

וְשָׂרֶֽיהָ׃

H8269

and the princes

a head person (of any rank or class)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Lamentations, this passage highlights kingdom of God through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of kingdom connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about kingdom, 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 kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show imperial and royal imagery familiar to subjects of ancient monarchies, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on kingdom address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding kingdom in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?