Lamentations 2:17

The LORD has done what He planned; He has accomplished His decree, which He ordained in days of old; He has overthrown you without pity. He has let the enemy gloat over you and exalted the horn of your foes.

Study Bible

The LORD has done what He purposed
This phrase underscores the sovereignty and faithfulness of God in fulfilling His divine will. The Hebrew root for "purposed" is "zamam," which conveys the idea of a deliberate and determined plan. Historically, this reflects God's covenant relationship with Israel, where He warned through prophets about the consequences of disobedience. The fulfillment of His purpose, even in judgment, demonstrates His unwavering commitment to His word and His ultimate plan for redemption.

He has accomplished His word
The Hebrew term for "accomplished" is "qum," meaning to establish or bring to pass. This highlights the reliability and authority of God's word. In the context of Lamentations, it refers to the prophetic warnings given to Israel. The historical context is the Babylonian exile, a direct result of Israel's failure to heed God's commands. This serves as a reminder of the power and certainty of God's promises, both of judgment and restoration.

that He decreed long ago
The phrase "long ago" points to the timeless nature of God's decrees. The Hebrew word "qedem" suggests ancient times or eternity past. This emphasizes that God's plans are not reactionary but have been established from the beginning. Scripturally, it connects to the eternal nature of God's wisdom and foreknowledge, assuring believers that nothing occurs outside His sovereign will.

He has overthrown you without compassion
The term "overthrown" comes from the Hebrew "haras," meaning to tear down or destroy. This reflects the severity of God's judgment on Jerusalem. The phrase "without compassion" is striking, as it contrasts with God's usual merciful nature. This indicates the seriousness of sin and the necessity of divine justice. Historically, it reflects the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, a pivotal event in Jewish history.

He has let the enemy gloat over you
The word "gloat" translates from the Hebrew "samach," meaning to rejoice or take pleasure. This phrase captures the humiliation and suffering of Israel as their enemies triumph over them. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. Theologically, it points to the reality of spiritual warfare and the temporary victories of evil, which ultimately serve God's greater purpose.

He has exalted the horn of your foes
The "horn" symbolizes strength and power in biblical literature. The Hebrew word "qeren" is often used to denote might or authority. By exalting the horn of Israel's foes, God allowed their enemies to gain power and dominance. This reflects the reversal of fortunes due to Israel's disobedience. In a broader scriptural context, it serves as a reminder that God can use even adversarial forces to accomplish His divine purposes, ultimately leading to His glory and the eventual restoration of His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The sovereign God of Israel, who is depicted as executing His divine judgment upon Jerusalem.

2. Jerusalem
The city that has been overthrown as a result of God's judgment, representing the people of Judah.

3. The Enemy
The foreign nations, particularly Babylon, that have been used as instruments of God's judgment against Jerusalem.

4. The Prophet Jeremiah
Traditionally considered the author of Lamentations, he laments the destruction of Jerusalem and the suffering of its people.

5. The Horn of Your Foes
A metaphor for the strength and power of the enemies of Jerusalem, which God has allowed to rise.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Purpose
God's actions are purposeful and align with His divine will. Even in judgment, His sovereignty is evident.

The Consequences of Disobedience
The destruction of Jerusalem serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commands.

The Role of Prophecy
God's decrees, as spoken through His prophets, are fulfilled. This underscores the reliability and authority of Scripture.

The Reality of Divine Judgment
God's judgment is real and can be severe, yet it is always just and deserved.

Hope Beyond Judgment
While the immediate context is one of despair, the broader biblical account assures us of restoration and redemption.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding God's sovereignty in Lamentations 2:17 affect your view of current world events?

2. In what ways can the consequences faced by Jerusalem serve as a warning for personal and communal disobedience today?

3. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in Lamentations 2:17 strengthen your faith in the reliability of Scripture?

4. What are some modern-day "enemies" or challenges that God might be using to refine or discipline His people?

5. How can we find hope and assurance in God's character, even when facing His discipline or judgment?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 28
This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, which are fulfilled in the events described in Lamentations.

Jeremiah 25
Jeremiah prophesies the Babylonian captivity, which is the context for the lament in Lamentations.

Isaiah 14
This passage speaks of the downfall of Babylon, providing a future hope that God will also judge those who oppress His people.

Psalm 89
Discusses the concept of God's faithfulness and covenant, even amidst apparent abandonment.

Habakkuk 1
The prophet questions why God allows the wicked to prosper, similar to the lament in Lamentations.