Lamentations 4:3
Even the sea monsters draw out the breast, they give suck to their young ones: the daughter of my people is become cruel, like the ostriches in the wilderness.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The ostrich's reputation for neglecting young was ancient tradition, though modern ornithology shows ostriches actually care well for offspring. The biblical point isn't scientific accuracy but using familiar imagery to convey unnatural neglect. Under siege conditions, mothers faced impossible choices: watch children starve, or—horrifically—resort to cannibalism (Lamentations 4:10, fulfilling Deuteronomy 28:53-57). The comparison to nursing animals shames Israel—even wild beasts maintain natural bonds, but God's people under judgment lose basic humanity. This demonstrates sin's degrading power. When God's image-bearers reject their Creator, they descend below animals who instinctively fulfill their nature. Isaiah 1:3 makes similar comparison: 'The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.' Animals recognize their provider; Israel forgot God.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the comparison between nursing animals and cruel mothers illustrate the degrading effects of prolonged judgment and extreme suffering?
- What does loss of 'natural affection' teach about sin's power to corrupt and destroy even the strongest human bonds?
- How does Christ restore true humanity and natural affection by transforming us into His image (2 Corinthians 3:18, Ephesians 4:24)?
Analysis & Commentary
Unnatural cruelty: "Even the sea monsters draw out the breast, they give suck to their young ones: the daughter of my people is become cruel, like the ostriches in the wilderness" (gam-taninim chaltsו shenuk gureichem bat-ami le-achzar ka-ye'enim ba-midbar). "Sea monsters" (taninim, תַּנִּינִים) likely refers to jackals or other wild animals. Even these creatures nurse their young naturally. But Jerusalem's mothers (bat-ami, "daughter of my people") became "cruel" (achzar, אַכְזָר) like "ostriches" (ye'enim, יְעֵנִים). Job 39:13-17 describes ostriches as neglecting eggs and young, 'hardened against her young ones, as though they were not hers.' Under extreme famine, mothers couldn't feed children—not from lack of love but from lack of food. This represents ultimate breakdown of natural affection under judgment's pressure. Romans 1:31 lists 'without natural affection' as sign of degraded society. When covenant protection is removed, even basic human instincts fail.