Lamentations Chapter 4

The Distress of Zion

1How is the gold become dim! how is the most fine gold changed! the stones of the sanctuary are poured out in the top of every street.

2The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, how are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter!

3Even the sea monsters draw out the breast, they give suck to their young ones: the daughter of my people is become cruel, like the ostriches in the wilderness.

4The tongue of the sucking child cleaveth to the roof of his mouth for thirst: the young children ask bread, and no man breaketh it unto them.

5They that did feed delicately are desolate in the streets: they that were brought up in scarlet embrace dunghills.

6For the punishment of the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the punishment of the sin of Sodom, that was overthrown as in a moment, and no hands stayed on her.

7Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was of sapphire:

8Their visage is blacker than a coal; they are not known in the streets: their skin cleaveth to their bones; it is withered, it is become like a stick.

9They that be slain with the sword are better than they that be slain with hunger: for these pine away, stricken through for want of the fruits of the field.

10The hands of the pitiful women have sodden their own children: they were their meat in the destruction of the daughter of my people.

11The LORD hath accomplished his fury; he hath poured out his fierce anger, and hath kindled a fire in Zion, and it hath devoured the foundations thereof.

12The kings of the earth, and all the inhabitants of the world, would not have believed that the adversary and the enemy should have entered into the gates of Jerusalem.

13For the sins of her prophets, and the iniquities of her priests, that have shed the blood of the just in the midst of her,

14They have wandered as blind men in the streets, they have polluted themselves with blood, so that men could not touch their garments.

15They cried unto them, Depart ye; it is unclean; depart, depart, touch not: when they fled away and wandered, they said among the heathen, They shall no more sojourn there.

16The anger of the LORD hath divided them; he will no more regard them: they respected not the persons of the priests, they favoured not the elders.

17As for us, our eyes as yet failed for our vain help: in our watching we have watched for a nation that could not save us.

18They hunt our steps, that we cannot go in our streets: our end is near, our days are fulfilled; for our end is come.

19Our persecutors are swifter than the eagles of the heaven: they pursued us upon the mountains, they laid wait for us in the wilderness.

20The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the LORD, was taken in their pits, of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall live among the heathen.

21Rejoice and be glad, O daughter of Edom, that dwellest in the land of Uz; the cup also shall pass through unto thee: thou shalt be drunken, and shalt make thyself naked.

22The punishment of thine iniquity is accomplished, O daughter of Zion; he will no more carry thee away into captivity: he will visit thine iniquity, O daughter of Edom; he will discover thy sins.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

The Distress of Zion

1 How the gold has become dim! The most pure gold has changed! The stones of the sanctuary are poured out at the head of every street.

2 The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, How are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter!

3 Even the jackals draw out the breast, they nurse their young ones: The daughter of my people has become cruel, like the ostriches in the wilderness.

4 The tongue of the nursing child clings to the roof of his mouth for thirst: The young children ask bread, and no man breaks it to them.

5 Those who fed delicately are desolate in the streets: Those who were brought up in scarlet embrace dunghills.

6 For the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the sin of Sodom, That was overthrown as in a moment, and no hands were laid on her.

7 Her nobles were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk; They were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was as of sapphire.

8 Their appearance is blacker than a coal; they are not known in the streets: Their skin clings to their bones; it is withered, it has become like a stick.

9 Those who are killed with the sword are better than those who are killed with hunger; For these pine away, stricken through, for want of the fruits of the field.

10 The hands of the pitiful women have boiled their own children; They were their food in the destruction of the daughter of my people.

11 Yahweh has accomplished his wrath, he has poured out his fierce anger; He has kindled a fire in Zion, which has devoured its foundations.

12 The kings of the earth didn’t believe, neither all the inhabitants of the world, That the adversary and the enemy would enter into the gates of Jerusalem.

13 It is because of the sins of her prophets, and the iniquities of her priests, That have shed the blood of the just in the midst of her.

14 They wander as blind men in the streets, they are polluted with blood, So that men can’t touch their garments.

15 Depart! they cried to them, Unclean! depart, depart, don’t touch! When they fled away and wandered, men said among the nations, They shall not live here any more.

16 The anger of Yahweh has scattered them; he will no more regard them: They didn’t respect the persons of the priests, they didn’t favor the elders.

17 Our eyes still fail, looking in vain for our help: In our watching we have watched for a nation that could not save.

18 They hunt our steps, so that we can’t go in our streets: Our end is near, our days are fulfilled; for our end has come.

19 Our pursuers were swifter than the eagles of the sky: They chased us on the mountains, they laid wait for us in the wilderness.

20 The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of Yahweh, was taken in their pits; Of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall live among the nations.

21 Rejoice and be glad, daughter of Edom, that dwell in the land of Uz: The cup shall pass through to you also; you shall be drunken, and shall make yourself naked.

22 The punishment of your iniquity is accomplished, daughter of Zion; he will no more carry you away into captivity: He will visit your iniquity, daughter of Edom; he will uncover your sins.

The Distress of Zion

1 How a the gold has become tarnished,

the pure gold has become dull!

The gems of the temple lie scattered

on every street corner.

2 How the precious sons of Zion,

once worth their weight in pure gold,

are now esteemed as jars of clay,

the work of a potter’s hands!

3 Even jackals b offer their breasts

to nurse their young,

but the daughter of my people has become cruel,

like an ostrich in the wilderness.

4 The nursing infant’s tongue

clings in thirst to the roof of his mouth.

Little children beg for bread,

but no one gives them any.

5 Those who once ate delicacies

are destitute in the streets;

those brought up in crimson

huddle in ash heaps.

6 The punishment c of the daughter of my people

is greater than that of Sodom,

which was overthrown in an instant

without a hand turned to help her.

7 Her dignitaries were brighter than snow,

whiter than milk;

their bodies were more ruddy than rubies,

their appearance d like sapphires. e

8 But now their appearance is blacker than soot;

they are not recognized in the streets.

Their skin has shriveled on their bones;

it has become as dry as a stick.

9 Those slain by the sword are better off

than those who die of hunger,

who waste away, pierced with pain

because the fields lack produce.

10 The hands of compassionate women

have cooked their own children,

who became their food

in the destruction of the daughter of my people.

11 The LORD has exhausted His wrath;

He has poured out His fierce anger;

He has kindled a fire in Zion,

and it has consumed her foundations.

12 The kings of the earth did not believe,

nor any people of the world,

that an enemy or a foe

could enter the gates of Jerusalem.

13 But this was for the sins of her prophets

and the guilt of her priests,

who shed the blood of the righteous

in her midst.

14 They wandered blind in the streets,

defiled by this blood,

so that no one dared

to touch their garments.

15 “Go away! Unclean!”

men shouted at them.

“Away, away! Do not touch us!”

So they fled and wandered.

Among the nations it was said,

“They can stay here no longer.”

16 The presence of the LORD has scattered them;

He regards them no more.

The priests are shown no honor;

the elders find no favor.

17 All the while our eyes were failing

as we looked in vain for help.

We watched from our towers

for a nation that could not save us.

18 They stalked our every step,

so that we could not walk in our streets.

Our end drew near, our time ran out,

for our end had come!

19 Those who chased us were swifter

than the eagles in the sky;

they pursued us over the mountains

and ambushed us in the wilderness.

20 The LORD’s anointed, the breath of our life,

was captured in their pits.

We had said of him,

“Under his shadow we will live among the nations.”

21 So rejoice and be glad, O Daughter of Edom,

you who dwell in the land of Uz.

Yet the cup will pass to you as well;

you will get drunk and expose yourself.

22 O Daughter of Zion, your punishment is complete;

He will not prolong your exile. f

But He will punish your iniquity, O Daughter of Edom;

He will expose your sins.

Footnotes:

1 a This chapter is an acrostic poem, each verse beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet.
3 b Or serpents  or dragons
6 c Or iniquity
7 d Or their polishing  or their hair
7 e Hebrew lapis lazuli
22 f Or He will not exile you again

The Distress of Zion

1How is the gold become dim, Changed the best -- the pure gold? Poured out are stones of the sanctuary At the head of all out-places.

2The precious sons of Zion, Who are comparable with fine gold, How have they been reckoned earthen bottles, Work of the hands of a potter.

3Even dragons have drawn out the breast, They have suckled their young ones, The daughter of my people is become cruel, Like the ostriches in a wilderness.

4Cleaved hath the tongue of a suckling unto his palate with thirst, Infants asked bread, a dealer out they have none.

5Those eating of dainties have been desolate in out-places, Those supported on scarlet have embraced dunghills.

6And greater is the iniquity of the daughter of my people, Than the sin of Sodom, That was overturned as in a moment, And no hands were stayed on her.

7Purer were her Nazarites than snow, Whiter than milk, ruddier of body than rubies, Of sapphire their form.

8Darker than blackness hath been their visage, They have not been known in out-places, Cleaved hath their skin unto their bone, It hath withered -- it hath been as wood.

9Better have been the pierced of a sword Than the pierced of famine, For these flow away, pierced through, Without the increase of the field.

10The hands of merciful women have boiled their own children, They have been for food to them, In the destruction of the daughter of my people.

11Completed hath Jehovah His fury, He hath poured out the fierceness of His anger, And he kindleth a fire in Zion, And it devoureth her foundations.

12Believe not did the kings of earth, And any of the inhabitants of the world, That come would an adversary and enemy Into the gates of Jerusalem.

13Because of the sins of her prophets, The iniquities of her priests, Who are shedding in her midst the blood of the righteous,

14They have wandered naked in out-places, They have been polluted with blood, Without any being able to touch their clothing,

15'Turn aside -- unclean,' they called to them, 'Turn aside, turn aside, touch not,' For they fled -- yea, they have wandered, They have said among nations: 'They do not add to sojourn.'

16The face of Jehovah hath divided them, He doth not add to behold them, The face of priests they have not lifted up, Elders they have not favoured.

17While we exist -- consumed are our eyes for our vain help, In our watch-tower we have watched for a nation that saveth not.

18They have hunted our steps from going in our broad-places, Near hath been our end, fulfilled our days, For come hath our end.

19Swifter have been our pursuers, Than the eagles of the heavens, On the mountains they have burned after us, In the wilderness they have laid wait for us.

20The breath of our nostrils -- the anointed of Jehovah, Hath been captured in their pits, of whom we said: 'In his shadow we do live among nations.'

21Joy and rejoice, O daughter of Edom, Dwelling in the land of Uz, Even unto thee pass over doth a cup, Thou art drunk, and makest thyself naked.

22Completed is thy iniquity, daughter of Zion, He doth not add to remove thee, He hath inspected thy iniquity, O daughter of Edom, He hath removed thee because of thy sins!

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of Lamentations 4?

1.1Introduction to Lamentations 4

1.2Context of Lamentations 4

1.3Ancient Key Word Study

1.4Compare & Contrast

1.5Lamentations 4 Unique Insights

1.6Lamentations 4 Connections to Yeshua

1.7Lamentations 4 Scriptural Echoes

1.8Lamentations 4 Devotional

1.9Did You Know

What is the meaning of Lamentations 4?

Introduction to Lamentations 4

Lamentations 4 presents one of the most haunting and visceral descriptions of Jerusalem’s fall to Babylon in 586 BCE. This chapter serves as the fourth acrostic poem in the book, though following a slightly different pattern than the previous chapters. Each verse begins with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet, creating a structured dirge that methodically chronicles the horrors of the siege and its aftermath. The poet’s raw emotional response to witnessing the unthinkable—mothers cooking their own children, princes reduced to walking corpses, and the apparent absence of God—creates a devastating portrait of a society in complete collapse.

Context of Lamentations 4

Within the book of Lamentations, chapter 4 represents the penultimate expression of grief over Jerusalem’s destruction. While chapters 1-3 focused primarily on personal and communal suffering with increasing intensity, chapter 4 zooms out to provide a panoramic view of the siege’s impact on every social stratum of Jerusalem’s society. This systematic breakdown of social order serves as evidence of God’s complete judgment on His people’s persistent rebellion.

In the broader biblical narrative, Lamentations 4 stands as a crucial witness to the fulfillment of covenant curses warned about in Deuteronomy 28:15-68. The chapter demonstrates how the prophetic warnings of judgment through Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and others came to pass in terrifying detail. Yet even in its darkness, this chapter points toward the future hope of restoration and redemption that would eventually come through the Messiah, as the final verses hint at future judgment on Edom and the end of Zion’s punishment.

Ancient Key Word Study

אֵיכָה (Echah) – “How” – The chapter opens with this haunting word, which serves as the Hebrew title for the entire book. This interrogative suggests both lament and bewilderment, expressing the incomprehensible nature of the tragedy. Its use here creates a stark contrast between Jerusalem’s former glory and current devastation.
יִשְׁנֶא (Yisne) – “Changed/Dimmed” – Used to describe how the gold has lost its luster, this word carries connotations of fundamental transformation. It suggests not just physical alteration but spiritual degradation, symbolizing Israel’s fall from divine favor.
תַּם (Tam) – “Completed/Fulfilled” – This term, appearing in verse 22, indicates the completion of punishment. It carries dual meaning: both the fulfillment of judgment and its eventual end, offering a glimmer of hope.
נָזִיר (Nazir) – “Consecrated ones” – Referring to the nobles who were once pure as snow, this term traditionally designated those set apart for God’s service. Its use here emphasizes the tragic fall of even the most dedicated servants of God.
חֲמַת (Chamat) – “Wrath” – This powerful term describes God’s fury poured out on Jerusalem. It connotes not blind rage but the calculated execution of divine justice, emphasizing the covenantal nature of the punishment.
פְּנֵי כֹהֲנִים (Pnei Kohanim) – “Faces of priests” – This phrase emphasizes the complete breakdown of social and religious order, as even the priests, who should have been honored, are now despised.
תַּנּוּר (Tannur) – “Oven” – Used to describe the burning skin of the suffering people, this word creates a vivid image of the intense suffering while also recalling the fiery furnace of Egypt, suggesting a reverse exodus.
צָדוּ (Tzadu) – “Hunted” – This term, describing how the enemies pursued the people, echoes hunting imagery found throughout Scripture, particularly in the Psalms, but here the roles are reversed as God’s people become the prey.
צִיּוֹן (Tzion) – “Zion” – More than just a geographical reference, this term embodies the theological concept of God’s dwelling place and His relationship with His people, making its desolation particularly significant.

Compare & Contrast

Verse 1’s contrast between “pure gold” and “dimmed gold” employs the Hebrew זָהָב (zahav) rather than פָּז (paz) or כֶּתֶם (ketem), other terms for gold. This choice emphasizes not just material value but spiritual purity, as zahav is often associated with Temple implements.
The phrase “more ruddy than rubies” in verse 7 uses אָדַם (adam) to connect to humanity’s creation from אֲדָמָה (adamah, earth), creating a theological link between the nobles’ former glory and their creation in God’s image.
Verse 10’s description of compassionate women cooking their children uses רַחֲמָנִיּוֹת (rachmaniyot), sharing the root רחם (racham) with “mercy,” creating a horrifying irony as maternal compassion is twisted by extreme suffering.
The reference to “king’s anointed” in verse 20 uses מְשִׁיחַ (mashiach), the same term that points to the future Messiah, creating a profound connection between present suffering and future redemption.
Verse 21’s address to Edom employs שִׂמְחִי וְגִילִי (simchi v’gili), a double expression of joy, using bitter irony to emphasize the temporary nature of Edom’s triumph.
The term for “punishment” in verse 22, עֲוֹן (avon), specifically connotes iniquity rather than just its consequences, suggesting that the real source of suffering is being addressed.

Lamentations 4 Unique Insights

The chapter’s structure reveals a fascinating theological insight through its modified acrostic pattern. Unlike chapters 1-3, this chapter uses a single verse per Hebrew letter rather than the multiple verses seen earlier. This streamlined structure suggests an acceleration toward resolution, even amid devastation. The ancient rabbis noted that this structural shift mirrors the prophetic concept of “מְמַהֵר לָבוֹא” (rushing to come) found in Isaiah 5:19, suggesting that judgment, though severe, moves purposefully toward redemption.

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The description of the nobles being “purer than snow, whiter than milk” (verse 7) employs imagery that the Targum Jonathan connects to the purification ritual of the Red Heifer, suggesting that even those who appeared most ceremonially pure were internally corrupted. This interpretation gains support from early Messianic Jewish understanding, which saw in this verse a foreshadowing of the ultimate purification that would come through the Messiah’s sacrifice.

The reference to “the Lord’s anointed” being captured (verse 20) carries profound messianic implications. Early Jewish commentators, including those who later accepted Yeshua as Messiah, saw in this verse a dual fulfillment: the immediate reference to King Zedekiah’s capture and a prophetic foreshadowing of the Messiah’s suffering. The phrase “under his shadow we shall live among the nations” particularly resonates with New Testament teachings about the Messiah’s role in preserving His people during exile.

Lamentations 4 Connections to Yeshua

The vivid descriptions of suffering in this chapter find their ultimate fulfillment in Yeshua’s passion. The imagery of one being “stricken for the transgressions of my people” (Isaiah 53:8) echoes throughout this chapter, particularly in the descriptions of those who once were “purer than snow” becoming unrecognizable through suffering. This parallel helps us understand how the Messiah took upon Himself the full weight of covenant judgment.

The chapter’s conclusion, speaking of the “cup” passing to Edom, foreshadows Yeshua’s words in Gethsemane about His cup of suffering (Matthew 26:39). Just as Jerusalem’s suffering had an end point, Yeshua’s sacrifice marked the final completion of God’s judgment on sin, offering hope and restoration to all who trust in Him.

Lamentations 4 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter resonates deeply with several prophetic texts: Deuteronomy 28:49-57‘s warnings about siege conditions, Isaiah 51:17-23‘s imagery of drinking the cup of God’s wrath, and Jeremiah 19:9‘s specific prophecy about cannibalism during the siege.

The description of those “purer than snow” becoming “blacker than soot” echoes Job 30:30 and anticipates Isaiah 1:18, creating a powerful metaphor for spiritual transformation through suffering.

The promise of completed punishment (verse 22) connects with Isaiah 40:2 and points forward to Revelation 18:6, showing God’s consistent pattern of judgment followed by restoration.

Lamentations 4 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to examine our own hearts regarding suffering and divine discipline. When we experience personal or communal tragedy, do we recognize it as an opportunity for spiritual refinement? The text reminds us that even the most devastating circumstances can serve God’s redemptive purposes.

We’re also called to consider our response to others’ suffering. The graphic descriptions of Jerusalem’s fall should move us to compassion and action for those experiencing similar tragedies today. How can we be agents of God’s comfort and restoration to those around us who are suffering?

Finally, the chapter’s movement from complete devastation to a hint of hope in its final verses reminds us that no situation is beyond God’s redemptive power. Even in our darkest moments, we can trust that God is working toward our restoration and ultimate good.

Did You Know

The acrostic pattern in this chapter contains 22 verses corresponding to the Hebrew alphabet, but unlike chapters 1-3, it uses only one verse per letter, creating a more urgent rhythm.
The reference to “daughters of my people” becoming cruel like ostriches alludes to ancient Near Eastern beliefs about ostriches abandoning their eggs, a metaphor that would have been immediately recognizable to the original audience.
The description of skin “shriveled like a furnace” uses a term (תנור) specifically associated with bread-baking, creating a horrifying connection to the cannibalism described later in the chapter.
The phrase “more ruddy than rubies” uses a Hebrew word (אדמו) that connects to Adam’s name, suggesting the original glory of humanity made in God’s image.
The reference to “kings of the earth” not believing enemies could enter Jerusalem’s gates reflects a widespread ancient Near Eastern belief in Jerusalem’s divine invulnerability.
The mention of prophets and priests wandering blindly through the streets uses vocabulary that specifically refers to ritual impurity, emphasizing the spiritual nature of their corruption.
The warning to Edom employs a form of satire common in prophetic literature called “taunt songs,” which were well-known literary devices in ancient Near Eastern cultures.
The final verse’s reference to “visiting” iniquity uses a Hebrew word (פקד) that can mean both “punish” and “take account of,” suggesting both judgment and redemptive purpose.
The chapter contains several words that appear nowhere else in the Hebrew Bible, suggesting it was composed to capture the unique horror of Jerusalem’s fall.

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After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. What is the F.O.G?

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