Old Testament
Lamentations 2:22
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"You summoned terrors against me from every direction, as if calling people to a festival. On the day of the LORD's anger, no one escaped and no one survived. The children I cared for and raised — my enemy has destroyed them all."
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Thou hast called as in a solemn day my terrors round about, so that in the day of the LORD’s anger none escaped nor remained: those that I have swaddled and brought up hath mine enemy consumed.
What Lamentations 2:22 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Lamentations 2:22, the speaker expresses deep sorrow and despair over the destruction brought upon them. They describe how God has summoned terrors, as if inviting them to a festival, indicating that calamity has come from all sides. On the day of the Lord's anger, no one was spared; everyone faced the consequences of their actions. The speaker laments the loss of their children, whom they nurtured and cared for, now destroyed by their enemies. This verse highlights the intensity of grief and the feeling of abandonment during a time of divine judgment. It reflects the pain of losing loved ones and the overwhelming sense of hopelessness in the face of disaster. The imagery of a festival suggests that the terrors were not just random but orchestrated, emphasizing the severity of the situation and the totality of the loss experienced by the speaker.
How to apply Lamentations 2:22 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of seeking God’s mercy and guidance in our lives. In times of trouble, we should turn to Him for comfort and strength. It also encourages us to cherish our loved ones and recognize the fragility of life.
Curated for this public verse page. Lamentations Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Lamentations
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 586 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and lament
- Original Audience
- Judah after the fall of Jerusalem
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Lamentations 2:22 mean?
Lamentations 2:22 expresses the speaker's profound sorrow over the destruction they have faced. It describes how God has summoned terrors like a festival, leading to total devastation where no one, including the speaker's children, was spared.
What is the significance of 'the day of the LORD's anger' in Lamentations 2:22?
The phrase 'the day of the LORD's anger' signifies a time of divine judgment and retribution. It highlights the seriousness of the consequences faced by the people, emphasizing that during this time, no one escaped the calamity.
What does 'my enemy has destroyed them all' refer to in Lamentations 2:22?
This phrase refers to the speaker's deep grief over the loss of their children, who have been consumed by their enemies. It illustrates the pain of losing loved ones in the midst of suffering and destruction.
How does Lamentations 2:22 reflect feelings of hopelessness?
Lamentations 2:22 reflects hopelessness through the imagery of total destruction and abandonment. The speaker feels overwhelmed by grief and despair, indicating a sense of helplessness in the face of divine judgment.
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