Old Testament
Lamentations 2:7
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The LORD has cast off his altar, he has abhorred his sanctuary, he has given the walls of her palaces into the hand of the enemy. They have made noise in the house of the LORD, as on a solemn feast day.
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The LORD hath cast off his altar, he hath abhorred his sanctuary, he hath given up into the hand of the enemy the walls of her palaces; they have made a noise in the house of the LORD, as in the day of a solemn feast.
What Lamentations 2:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Lamentations 2:7, the speaker expresses deep sorrow over the destruction of Jerusalem and the abandonment of its sacred places by God. The verse highlights that God has rejected His altar and sanctuary, indicating a severe break in the relationship between God and His people. The walls of the city, once a symbol of strength and protection, have been handed over to enemies, signifying defeat and loss. The mention of noise in the house of the Lord, akin to a feast day, suggests that what was once a place of worship and reverence has become a site of chaos and desecration. This reflects the profound grief and despair felt by the people as they witness the consequences of their actions and the resulting divine judgment. The imagery evokes a sense of mourning for what has been lost and a recognition of the seriousness of turning away from God.
How to apply Lamentations 2:7 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of maintaining our relationship with God and the consequences of turning away from Him. It encourages us to cherish our places of worship and to seek God earnestly, ensuring that we do not take His presence for granted.
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 2:7 mean?
Lamentations 2:7 expresses sorrow over God's abandonment of Jerusalem's sacred places, indicating a severe break in His relationship with the people. It highlights the destruction of the city and the chaos that has replaced worship.
What is the significance of God's altar in Lamentations 2:7?
In Lamentations 2:7, God's altar represents His presence and the worship of His people. Its abandonment signifies a loss of divine favor and protection, reflecting the consequences of the people's actions.
What does the phrase 'he has abhorred his sanctuary' mean in Lamentations 2:7?
The phrase 'he has abhorred his sanctuary' indicates that God has rejected the place where He was worshipped, symbolizing a deep sense of loss and the seriousness of the people's sins.
What does Lamentations 2:7 reveal about the state of Jerusalem?
Lamentations 2:7 reveals that Jerusalem has been devastated, with its walls handed over to enemies, illustrating the city's defeat and the profound grief of its inhabitants.
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