Lamentations 2:5
The Lord was as an enemy: he hath swallowed up Israel, he hath swallowed up all her palaces: he hath destroyed his strong holds, and hath increased in the daughter of Judah mourning and lamentation.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The concept of God as enemy contradicts pagan religious thinking but reflects biblical covenant theology. Ancient Near Eastern gods were thought to protect their cities automatically. People believed that as long as temples stood and sacrifices continued, divine favor was assured. But Yahweh demanded heart obedience, not mere ritual (1 Samuel 15:22, Psalm 51:16-17, Isaiah 1:11-17).
When Israel persisted in covenant breaking despite repeated warnings, God Himself became their enemy—not abandoning them to fate but actively judging them. Isaiah 63:10 summarizes: "they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them." The same divine power that defeated Egypt, Canaan, and Philistia now acted against Judah.
The phrase "swallowed up all her palaces" was literally fulfilled. Nebuchadnezzar's forces destroyed Jerusalem systematically (2 Kings 25:9). The palace complex David and Solomon built was reduced to rubble. Excavations reveal the intensity of the conflagration—stones cracked from heat, ash layers several feet deep, evidence of deliberate, thorough destruction. God's enemies could accomplish only what He permitted for His purposes.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it reveal about God's character that He opposes His own people when they persist in covenant rebellion?
- How should the reality that God 'was as an enemy' to Israel inform our understanding of divine discipline in the Christian life (Hebrews 12:5-11)?
- In what ways does this verse challenge the modern tendency to view God primarily as a friend or helper while minimizing His holiness and justice?
- How does Christ bear the full weight of God's enmity against sin (Isaiah 53:4-5, Romans 5:10) so that believers never experience God as enemy?
Analysis & Commentary
One of Scripture's most disturbing statements appears here: "The Lord was as an enemy" (hayah Adonai ke-oyev, הָיָה אֲדֹנָי כְּאוֹיֵב). The covenant LORD (Adonai) who promised to fight for Israel (Exodus 14:14, Deuteronomy 1:30) now fights against her. The preposition ke ("as, like") suggests comparison, yet the actions described are unmistakably hostile: He "swallowed up" Israel and her palaces, destroying strongholds.
The verb bala (בָּלַע, "swallowed up") conveys complete consumption—like a monster devouring prey whole. It appears three times in this chapter (verses 2, 5, 16), emphasizing totality. Nothing remains when God acts in judgment. The parallel structure "swallowed up Israel...swallowed up all her palaces...destroyed his strong holds" shows comprehensive devastation affecting the entire nation, not just military targets.
The consequence is "multiplied in the daughter of Judah mourning and lamentation" (vayerev be-bat Yehudah ta'aniyah va'aniyah). The Hebrew pairs two related words for grief—ta'aniyah (mourning) and aniyah (lamentation)—creating alliteration that echoes wailing sounds. When God becomes enemy, His people experience unparalleled sorrow. Yet even this severe language serves redemptive purposes—forcing recognition that apart from God's favor, no strength or wisdom avails (Jeremiah 9:23-24).