Bible Commentaries
Lamentations 4

Verse 1

This chapter, like Lamentations 1:0 and Lamentations 2:0 , 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".

Verse 2

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 .

Verse 3

ostriches. Compare Job 39:13-17 .

Verse 5

embrace. Compare Job 24:8 .

Verse 6

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.

Verse 8

known = recognized.

Verse 9

are = have proved.

Verse 10

pitiful = tender-hearted.

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

children = babes.

Verse 11

The LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 .

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

Verse 13

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

Verse 14

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

Verse 15

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

heathen = nations.

Verse 16

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.

Verse 19

persecutors = pursuers.

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

Verse 20

breath. Hebrew. ruach. App-9 .

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

Verse 21

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-63 and App-72 .

Verse 22

accomplished = completed.

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