Lamentations 4

1-22 The Punishment of Zion

Just as in chapters 1 and 2, each of the 22 verses begins with a succeeding letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

1-2 The children of Zion are like gold that has grown dim, now as worthless as earthen pots.

3-4 Even jackals feed their young, but my people have grown cruel, and their young go hungry.

5-6 Those who ate fine food and wore fine clothing now wear rags; their punishment is greater than Sodom’s.

7-8 Her royalty, previously fair, are now black, shriveled, unrecognizable.

9-10 Those who perished by the sword were happier than those who starve; previously compassionate women eat their own children.

11-12 The LORD pours out his hot anger on Jerusalem; no one would have believed an enemy could enter its gates.

13-16 Her prophets and priests shed the blood of the righteous and caused them to be fugitives among their own people, therefore he has scattered priests and elders, showing them no honor.

17-19 We watched vainly for help, but our pursuers would not leave us alone, neither in our own streets, nor on the mountains, nor in the wilderness.

20 The LORD’s anointed was taken in their pits. This lamentation is referenced in 2 Chronicles 25:35, where it applied to Josiah. Here, it probably refers to Zedekiah, though not of the character of Josiah, was still in the lineage of the ultimate “Anointed One,” Christ, and as king was supposed to be their protector.

21-22 Rejoice while you can, Edom, because your punishment is coming. Zion’s exile will come to an end, but he will uncover your sins.