Lamentations 2:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Lamentations 2:20
20 Behold, O LORD, and consider to whom thou hast done this. Shall the women eat their fruit, and children of a span long? shall the priest and the prophet be slain in the sanctuary of the Lord?
Chapter Context
Lamentations 2 is a funeral dirge chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, worship, love. Written during just after Jerusalem's fall (c. 586 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written amid the devastating aftermath of Jerusalem's destruction by Babylon.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-22: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Lamentations and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Lamentations 2:20
20 Behold, O LORD, and consider to whom thou hast done this. Shall the women eat their fruit, and children of a span long? shall the priest and the prophet be slain in the sanctuary of the Lord?
Analysis
A stunning challenge to God: "Behold, O LORD, and consider to whom thou hast done this. Shall the women eat their fruit, and children of a span long?" (re'eh YHWH ve-habitah le-mi olalta koh to'khalnah nashim piryam olelei tifukhim). The question "to whom thou hast done this" (le-mi olalta koh) emphasizes that this is God's own covenant people, not pagans. "Women eat their fruit" (nashim piryam)—"fruit" being their children—references the horrific cannibalism of Lamentations 4:10. "Children of a span long" (olelei tifukhim) refers to nursing infants. The question continues: "shall the priest and the prophet be slain in the sanctuary of the Lord?" (im-yehareg be-mikdash Adonai kohen venavi). Priests and prophets murdered in God's own sanctuary represents ultimate desecration. These questions aren't accusations but desperate appeals: See what Your judgment has caused! Consider the extremity! This bold prayer demonstrates the intimacy of covenant relationship—God's people can question and challenge Him respectfully.
Historical Context
The cannibalism described here fulfilled Deuteronomy 28:53-57's curse literally. 2 Kings 6:28-29 records an earlier instance during Samaria's siege. Josephus describes similar horrors during AD 70 siege. The slaying of priests and prophets in the sanctuary was fulfilled when Babylonians killed temple personnel (2 Kings 25:18-21). Jeremiah 26:20-23 records King Jehoiakim killing prophet Urijah. The temple's sanctity provided no protection once God's glory departed (Ezekiel 10-11). The boldness of questioning God echoes Abraham's intercession for Sodom (Genesis 18:23-33), Moses's pleas for Israel (Exodus 32:11-14, Numbers 14:13-19), and Job's protests (Job 10, 13:3, 23:3-7). This demonstrates that covenant relationship permits honest dialogue, not mere submission to arbitrary power. God invites His people to wrestle with Him (Genesis 32:24-30, Hosea 12:3-4).
Reflection
- How does the bold question 'to whom thou hast done this' demonstrate both the intimacy and accountability inherent in covenant relationship?
- What's the difference between this kind of respectful challenging of God versus impious accusation or rebellion?
- How do we process the reality that God's judgments sometimes include horrific consequences (cannibalism, murdered priests) while maintaining faith in His goodness?
Word Studies
- Prophet: נָבִיא (Navi) H5030 - Prophet, spokesman
Cross-References
- Prophecy: Lamentations 4:13
- References Lord: Exodus 32:11, Deuteronomy 9:26
- Parallel theme: Lamentations 4:10, Psalms 78:64, Jeremiah 19:9