Lamentations 2:20 – “Look, Lord, and consider: Whom have you ever treated like this? Should women eat their offspring, the children they have cared for? Should priest and prophet be killed in the sanctuary of the Lord?”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse expresses the horror and desperation felt during the siege and destruction of Jerusalem. The speaker cries out to God, asking Him to look and consider the unparalleled suffering of His people. The question “Should women eat their offspring?” reflects the extreme famine caused by the siege, a heartbreaking reality where even natural bonds of love and care were broken. The mention of priests and prophets being killed in God’s sanctuary highlights the complete desecration of what was once sacred. This verse encapsulates the despair and confusion of a people who felt abandoned by God and crushed under the weight of judgment.
Historical Context
The verse refers to the events surrounding the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem in 586 BC. The siege led to starvation, violence, and the desecration of the temple. The practice of cannibalism during extreme famine was prophesied as a consequence of disobedience to God’s covenant (Leviticus 26:29; Deuteronomy 28:53). The killing of priests and prophets in the sanctuary reflects the utter breakdown of the religious and social order. The people, who had once been under God’s protection, now faced unimaginable suffering due to their persistent rebellion and rejection of His commands.
Theological Implications
This verse underscores the severity of God’s judgment and the devastating consequences of sin. It also highlights the deep anguish and lament of the people as they witness the collapse of their society and the desecration of their sacred spaces. Yet, the cry to God, “Look, Lord, and consider,” reflects a faint hope that He is still present and listening. It reveals the tension between judgment and mercy, reminding us that even in the darkest times, God’s ultimate desire is for restoration.
Literary Analysis
The verse uses vivid and shocking imagery to convey the depth of the people’s suffering. The rhetorical questions heighten the emotional intensity, forcing readers to grapple with the horrors of judgment. The contrast between the sacred (priests and the sanctuary) and the profane (cannibalism and violence) underscores the total collapse of the moral and spiritual order. The structure of the verse, beginning with a plea to God, reflects the desperation of the people and their dependence on Him, even in their despair.
Biblical Cross-References
- Leviticus 26:29: Warns of cannibalism as a consequence of disobedience.
- Deuteronomy 28:53-57: Describes the horrors of famine during siege as part of God’s judgment.
- Jeremiah 19:9: Prophesies that the people will eat their children due to the siege.
- Ezekiel 7:22-24: Speaks of the desecration of the temple and the destruction of the land.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians, this verse serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and the reality of God’s judgment. It challenges believers to consider the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of living in obedience to His word. At the same time, the verse encourages Christians to cry out to God in times of despair, trusting that He is still sovereign and merciful. It calls for a renewed commitment to honor God and uphold the sacredness of worship and community.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Although this verse focuses on judgment and suffering, it also reflects God’s love in a deeper way. The people’s cry to God shows that they still recognize Him as the one who can see and respond to their plight. God’s discipline, though severe, is not meant to destroy but to bring His people to repentance and restoration. His love is evident in His willingness to engage with His people, even in their brokenness, and to ultimately lead them back to Himself.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ bore the full weight of humanity’s sin and judgment on the cross, taking on the suffering described in this verse so that believers might be spared. Just as the sanctuary was desecrated in Jerusalem, Jesus’ body—the ultimate temple—was broken for the sake of humanity’s redemption (John 2:19-21). His sacrifice provides hope and restoration, even in the face of despair and judgment. Through Jesus, believers are reconciled to God and assured that their cries are heard and answered (Hebrews 4:16).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge your understanding of God’s judgment and mercy?
- What does it mean to cry out to God in times of desperation, as the people did in this verse?
- How can this verse encourage you to honor God and uphold the sacredness of worship in your life?
- How does Jesus’ sacrifice provide hope and healing in the face of suffering and judgment?
- What steps can you take to ensure that your life reflects obedience to God’s commands and trust in His promises?