Lamentations 4:16
The anger of the LORD hath divided them; he will no more regard them: they respected not the persons of the priests, they favoured not the elders.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The anger of the LORD scattering these leaders refers to the exile. Rather than maintaining the priesthood and eldership intact during captivity, God dispersed them. Some priests were executed (2 Kings 25:18-21). Others were scattered among exilic communities. The unified religious leadership structure was broken.
The charge that they "respected not the persons of the priests" likely refers to earlier corruption. Younger priests elevated through political connections rather than proper Aaronic succession, or priests who abandoned their duties for profit (Micah 3:11: "The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire"). They treated their own office with contempt through greed and corruption.
Similarly, "they favoured not the elders" indicates breakdown of traditional respect. Younger leaders disregarded older sages. Isaiah 3:5 describes this inversion: "the child shall behave himself proudly against the ancient, and the base against the honourable." This generational disrespect contributed to societal collapse. When even religious leaders show no regard for their own offices or for traditional wisdom, chaos ensues. God responded by scattering them, removing the pretense of legitimate leadership.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God scattering leaders who disrespected their own offices demonstrate that position without faithfulness brings judgment?
- What does this verse teach about the importance of honoring both sacred offices and traditional wisdom?
- In what ways can Christian leaders today 'respect not the persons of the priests/elders'—dishonoring their own calling?
- How does 1 Samuel 2:30 ('them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed') connect to this verse?
Analysis & Commentary
Divine rejection confirmed: "The anger of the LORD hath divided them; he will no more regard them: they respected not the persons of the priests, they favoured not the elders." The Hebrew penei YHWH chillekam lo yosif lehabbitam penei kohanim lo nas'u zeqenim lo chananu declares God's active dispersal and rejection. Chillekam (חִלְּקָם, "divided them, scattered them") indicates God intentionally dispersed these corrupt leaders. Lo yosif lehabbitam (לֹא יוֹסִיף לְהַבִּיטָם, "he will no more regard them") means God has withdrawn His favorable attention.
The indictment follows: "they respected not the persons of the priests" (penei kohanim lo nas'u, פְּנֵי כֹהֲנִים לֹא נָשָׂאוּ). Nasa panim (נָשָׂא פָּנִים, "lift up the face") means to show honor, favor, or respect. These leaders showed no respect even for their own office. "They favoured not the elders" (zeqenim lo chananu, זְקֵנִים לֹא חָנָנוּ) similarly indicates contempt for traditional authority. Chanan (חָנַן) means to show favor, grace, or mercy.
Theologically, this teaches that those who dishonor their sacred offices lose God's favor. When priests acted contrary to their calling and elders abandoned wisdom, God scattered them. The principle appears in 1 Samuel 2:30: "Them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed." Leadership isn't a license for corruption but a stewardship requiring faithfulness. Failure brings divine rejection.