Old Testament
Lamentations 2:5
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The LORD became like an enemy. He swallowed up Israel—swallowed up all her palaces and destroyed her fortresses. He multiplied mourning and lamentation throughout the daughter of Judah.
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The LORD was as an enemy: he hath swallowed up Israel, he hath swallowed up all her palaces: he hath destroyed his strong holds, and hath increased in the daughter of Judah mourning and lamentation.
What Lamentations 2:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Lamentations 2:5, the author expresses deep sorrow over the destruction of Jerusalem and the suffering of its people. The verse portrays God as an enemy, emphasizing the severity of Israel's situation. The imagery of God swallowing up Israel and her strongholds signifies total devastation. The mention of multiplied mourning and lamentation highlights the emotional and spiritual anguish experienced by the people of Judah. This reflects a profound sense of loss and abandonment, as the once-protected city now faces ruin. The verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the resulting despair that can follow. It illustrates the gravity of sin and its impact on a community, showing that divine judgment can lead to overwhelming sorrow and destruction. The lamentation is not just about physical loss but also about the spiritual desolation that accompanies such events, urging readers to reflect on their relationship with God and the importance of faithfulness.
How to apply Lamentations 2:5 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our relationship with God and the importance of remaining faithful. It serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from Him. In times of distress, we should seek to understand our circumstances and turn back to God for healing and restoration.
Curated for this public verse page. Lamentations Summary
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Keep studying Lamentations 2:5
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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 2:5 mean?
Lamentations 2:5 expresses the sorrow over Jerusalem's destruction, portraying God as an enemy who has devastated Israel. It highlights the deep mourning and lamentation among the people of Judah due to their suffering and loss.
What is the significance of God being described as an enemy in Lamentations 2:5?
Describing God as an enemy in Lamentations 2:5 emphasizes the severity of Israel's situation and the consequences of their actions. It reflects the deep sense of abandonment felt by the people as they face destruction.
What does 'swallowed up' mean in Lamentations 2:5?
In Lamentations 2:5, 'swallowed up' signifies total devastation, indicating that God has completely consumed Israel and her strongholds, leading to overwhelming loss and sorrow.
How does Lamentations 2:5 relate to the themes of loss and sorrow?
Lamentations 2:5 illustrates the themes of loss and sorrow by depicting the emotional anguish of the people of Judah after their city is destroyed. The verse highlights the mourning that follows such devastation.
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