Lamentations 4:21
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Lamentations 4:21
21 Rejoice and be glad, O daughter of Edom, that dwellest in the land of Uz; the cup also shall pass through unto thee: thou shalt be drunken, and shalt make thyself naked.
Chapter Context
Lamentations 4 is a funeral dirge chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, fellowship, wisdom. 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 illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. 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 4:21
21 Rejoice and be glad, O daughter of Edom, that dwellest in the land of Uz; the cup also shall pass through unto thee: thou shalt be drunken, and shalt make thyself naked.
Analysis
Rejoice and be glad, O daughter of Edom (שִׂישִׂי וְשִׂמְחִי בַּת־אֱדוֹם, sisi vesimchi bat-Edom)—This is biting irony, even sarcasm. Edom rejoiced at Jerusalem's fall (Psalm 137:7; Obadiah 1:12), but their celebration is premature. The cup also shall pass through unto thee (גַּם־עָלַיִךְ תַּעֲבָר־כּוֹס, gam-alayikh ta'avor-kos)—'the cup' refers to God's wrath (Isaiah 51:17; Jeremiah 25:15-29). Edom's turn is coming. Thou shalt be drunken, and shalt make thyself naked (תִּשְׁכְּרִי וְתִתְעָרִי, tishkeri vetit'ari)—imagery of judgment-induced shame. Edom's gloating over Israel's humiliation will be repaid in kind. This prophetic irony vindicates divine justice.
Historical Context
Edom, descended from Esau (Jacob's brother), harbored ancestral hatred toward Israel. When Babylon besieged Jerusalem, Edom aided the enemy, plundered refugees, and celebrated the city's fall. Obadiah and Psalm 137 detail their treachery. Edom was later conquered by Nabateans (4th century BC) and eventually disappeared as a people—the 'cup' passed to them indeed.
Reflection
- Have you ever celebrated another's downfall, only to later experience similar judgment yourself? What does this teach about schadenfreude?
- How does this prophetic irony demonstrate that God will vindicate His people even when their discipline seems to give enemies grounds for mockery?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Job 1:1, Psalms 137:7, Amos 1:11, Revelation 16:15