Bible Commentaries

How = Alas! or, O how! Hebrew. "eykah = an exclamation of pain and grief, a wailing cry (preserved in Eng. "jackal"). The Massorah (App-30) points out that this exclamation is used by three prophets, concerning Israel:

(1) by Moses in her multiplication (Deuteronomy 1:12. Compare Lamentations 1:11);

(2) by Isaiah in her dissipation (Isaiah 1:21);

(3) by Jeremiah in her desolation (Lamentations 1:1).

This word "How" is to be supplied at the beginning of verses: Lamentations 1:2-3 by Figure of speech Ellipsis (App-6). Compare also Lamentations 2:1; Lamentations 4:1; and Isaiah 14:12.

solitary: i.e. empty; referring to the houses and streets.

weepeth sore. Note Figure of speech Polyptoton (App-6). The Hebrew = a weeping she weepeth. Thus well rendered. See note on Genesis 26:28; and note the Figure of speech Prosopopoeia (App-6).

lovers: i.e. allies, whom she had preferred to Jehovah. See Jeremiah 2:17, Jeremiah 2:27, Jeremiah 2:36, Jeremiah 2:37; Jeremiah 4:30; Jeremiah 22:22. Eze 23; and Lamentations 29:6, Lamentations 29:7, Lamentations 29:16.

enemies. Especially the Edomites and Ammonites. Compare Jeremiah 12:14.

among the heathen. Reference to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 28:64, Deuteronomy 28:65).

heathen = nations.

persecutors = pursuers.

between the straits. Like a hunted animal driven where there is no escape. Same word as in Psalms 116:3; Psalms 118:5. Occurs only in these three places. Compare Lamentations 1:6.

The ways. Not streets in the city, but the roads leading thereto.

mourn. Figure of speech Prosopopoeia. App-6.

solemn feasts = appointed feasts. See note on Psalms 74:8 (same word).

bitterness = bitter for her. Instead of festal joy, Compare Jeremiah 7:34; Jeremiah 16:9; Jeremiah 25:10; Jeremiah 31:13; Jeremiah 33:11.

are the chiefs are the head. Reference to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 28:13, Deuteronomy 28:44), the same word. App-92.

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4. transgressions = rebellions. Hebrew. pasha". App-44.

children = young children, as in Lamentations 2:11, Lamentations 2:19, Lamentations 2:20, and Lamentations 4:4. Not "sons".

like harts. See note on Lamentations 1:3.

pleasant things. Hebrew = things of desire. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), for the things she used to enjoy.

sabbaths: or, sabbath-keepings; which she had herself profaned. See Jeremiah 17:21-23. Ezekiel 22:8, Ezekiel 22:26; Ezekiel 23:38,

grievously sinned. Note the Figure of speech Polyptoton Hebrew = sinned a sin. Thus well rendered. See note on "weepeth sore" (Lamentations 1:2).

sinned. Hebrew. chata". App-44.

is remove d = separated as unclean.

remernbereth = remembered.

last end = hereafter.

wonderfully. Hebrew, plural "wonders" = a great wonder.

behold = see, behold. Same word as in verses: Lamentations 1:18, Lamentations 1:20. Not the same word as in Lamentations 1:12.

entered into her sanctuary. Reference to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 23:3), a technical expression. App-92.

congregation = convocation, or assembly.

soul. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13.

behold = look attentively. Not the same word as in verses: Lamentations 1:9, Lamentations 1:18, Lamentations 1:20.

be = exists. Hebrew. yesh. See Genesis 18:24. Proverbs 8:21; Proverbs 18:24, &c.

sorrow = pain.

done unto me. Compare Lamentations 1:22; Lamentations 3:15.

The yoke, &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 28:48), the same words. App-92.

wreathed = intertwined.

He: or. It: i.e. the yoke.

fall = stumble.

the LORD*. One of the 134 places where the Sopherim say they changed Jehovah to Adonai. See App-32.

mighty men = valiant ones. Hebrew. "abir. Not the same word as in Lamentations 3:1, Lamentations 3:27, Lamentations 3:35, Lamentations 3:39.

called = proclaimed. Same word as in verses: Lamentations 1:19, Lamentations 1:21.

an assembly = a festal gathering. Now that Israel's feasts had ceased, there was another of a different nature and with a different object.

winepress. Hebrew. gath, where the grapes were trodden. Not the vat (yekeb) into which the juice was received.

mine eye, mine eye. Figure of speech Epizeuxis (App-6), for emphasis. It is not repeated in the Septuagint

relieve my soul = bring me back to life. Compare Lamentations 1:19.

children = sons. Not the same word as in Lamentations 2:11, Lamentations 2:19, Lamentations 2:20 and Lamentations 4:4.

Jacob. Referring to the natural seed. See notes on Genesis 32:28; Genesis 43:6; Genesis 45:26, Genesis 45:28. Compare Lamentations 2:1.

is. Hebrew = He [is].

people = peoples.

gave up the ghost = expired, or breathed their last.

Behold. Here begins the prayer.

abroad the sword. Reference to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 32:25).

the day: i.e. the day of vengeance of Jeremiah 25:17-26.

Let all, &c. This prayer is in accordance with that Dispensation. Not with this. See App-63.

wickedness. Hebrew. ra"a". App-44.

as =. according as.

transgressions = rebellions. Hebrew. pasha". App-44.