Bible Commentaries

This chapter, like Lamentations 1 and Lamentations 2, is an acrostic: the twenty-two verses commencing successively with the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet.

gold . . . most fine gold . . . fine gold. Figure of speech Anabasis, which is lost in Authorized Version rendering, which should be "gold . . . fine gold . . . pure gold".

fine gold = pure gold. See note above.

as earthen pitchers. The comparison is both in the material and in the workmanship. Compare Jeremiah 18:1-6; Jeremiah 19:1-10.

ostriches. Compare Job 39:13-17.

embrace. Compare Job 24:8.

For = And.

punishment of the iniquity. This is the full translation of the Figure of speech Metonymy (of Effect): the "iniquity "being put for its consequent punishment.

punishment of the sin. This is the full translation of the Figure of speech Metonymy (of Effect), App-6, the Hebrew chata (sin) being put for the consequent punishment.

overthrown, &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Genesis 19:25). App-92.

Stayed = travailed on her: i.e. brought it about; for the overthrow was direct from God.

known = recognized.

are = have proved.

pitiful = tender-hearted.

have sodden, &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 28:56, Deuteronomy 28:57). Compare 2 Kings 6:29.

children = babes.

The LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

kindled a fire. Reference to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 32:22). App-92.

just = righteous ones. Compare Matthew 23:31, Matthew 23:37.

polluted . . . with blood. Reference to Pentateuch (Numbers 19:11, Numbers 19:16). App-92.

Depart ye, &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Leviticus 18:46).

heathen = nations.

anger = face. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Effect), App-6, as manifesting the anger felt.

persons = face. Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of the Part), for the whole person.

persecutors = pursuers.

swifter than the eagles. Ref, to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 28:49).

breath. Hebrew. ruach. App-9.

the anointed: i.e. Zedekiah was still Jehovah's "anointed", even as Saul was (1 Samuel 26:9, 1 Samuel 26:11, 1 Samuel 26:16, 1 Samuel 26:23).

pits = toils. Occurs only here and Psalms 107:20. Hebrew. shichith. Compare Jeremiah 2:6.

Rejoice, &c. Said in solemn irony. the land of Uz. See notes on p. 666, and App-62.

naked. Between Lamentations 4:21 and Lamentations 4:22 lies the whole of this present Dispensation. See App-63and App-72.

accomplished = completed.

visit = punish, as in Lamentations 4:6. See note there.