Lamentations 2:20

Look, O LORD, and consider: Whom have You ever treated like this? Should women eat their offspring, the infants they have nurtured? Should priests and prophets be killed in the sanctuary of the Lord?

Study Bible

Look, O LORD, and consider
The Hebrew word for "look" is "רְאֵה" (re'eh), which is a plea for God to see and acknowledge the suffering of His people. This is a common biblical motif where the speaker implores God to not only observe but to take action. The phrase "O LORD" uses the divine name "Yahweh," emphasizing a personal relationship with God. "Consider" (הַבֵּט, habet) suggests a deep, thoughtful examination, urging God to reflect on the severity of the situation. This opening plea sets the tone for the lament, highlighting the desperation and urgency of the cry for divine intervention.

Whom have You ever treated like this?
This rhetorical question underscores the unprecedented nature of the calamity that has befallen Jerusalem. The Hebrew root "עָשָׂה" (asah) for "treated" implies an action or deed, often used in the context of God's dealings with His people. Historically, this reflects the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. by the Babylonians, a catastrophic event perceived as divine judgment. The question challenges the reader to consider the uniqueness of this judgment, emphasizing its severity and the depth of the people's suffering.

Should women eat their offspring, the children they have nurtured?
The phrase "eat their offspring" is a shocking depiction of the dire circumstances during the siege of Jerusalem. The Hebrew word "יֹלְלֵי" (yollelei) for "offspring" refers to infants or young children, highlighting the innocence and vulnerability of the victims. This imagery is not only literal but also symbolic of the complete breakdown of societal norms and maternal instincts due to extreme famine. The historical context of siege warfare often led to such desperate acts, as recorded in other ancient Near Eastern texts. The phrase "the children they have nurtured" (טִפְּחֵי טִפָּחִים, tipchei tipachim) emphasizes the natural bond and care a mother provides, making the act even more horrific and unnatural.

Should priests and prophets be killed in the sanctuary of the Lord?
The sanctuary, or "מִקְדָּשׁ" (mikdash), is the holy place where God's presence dwells, making the killing of priests and prophets there an act of profound sacrilege. Priests and prophets were the spiritual leaders and mediators between God and the people, and their deaths signify a complete spiritual desolation. Historically, this reflects the collapse of religious order and the desecration of sacred spaces during the Babylonian conquest. The rhetorical question implies a deep sense of injustice and loss, as those who were meant to guide and protect the people spiritually are themselves victims of violence.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
- Traditionally considered the author of Lamentations, Jeremiah is known as the "weeping prophet" who lamented the destruction of Jerusalem.

2. Jerusalem
- The city that faced destruction and devastation, leading to the lamentations expressed in this book.

3. Women and Children
- Representing the extreme suffering and desperation during the siege, where even the most natural bonds were broken.

4. Priests and Prophets
- Religious leaders who were not spared from the violence, indicating the totality of the judgment.

5. The Sanctuary of the Lord
- The holy place where God was worshiped, now desecrated by violence and death.

Teaching Points

The Severity of Sin's Consequences
Sin leads to devastating consequences, not only spiritually but also physically and socially. The destruction of Jerusalem serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of turning away from God.

The Depth of Human Desperation
The imagery of women eating their offspring highlights the extreme desperation and breakdown of natural affections that can occur in times of severe judgment and crisis.

The Role of Religious Leaders
The killing of priests and prophets in the sanctuary underscores the failure of religious leaders to guide the people rightly and the comprehensive nature of God's judgment.

God's Justice and Mercy
While the passage highlights God's justice, it also calls us to seek His mercy. The lament is a plea for God to see and consider, reminding us that even in judgment, we can cry out to God for mercy.

The Call to Repentance
The devastation described should lead us to examine our own lives and communities, prompting repentance and a return to faithful obedience to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the historical context of the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem enhance our understanding of Lamentations 2:20?

2. In what ways does this verse illustrate the consequences of turning away from God, and how can we apply this understanding to our lives today?

3. How does the imagery of priests and prophets being killed in the sanctuary challenge our view of religious leadership and accountability?

4. What parallels can we draw between the desperation described in Lamentations 2:20 and other biblical accounts of judgment and redemption?

5. How can we, as a community of believers, respond to the call for repentance and seek God's mercy in times of crisis?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 28:53-57
This passage outlines the curses for disobedience, including the horrific scenario of cannibalism during a siege, which connects to the desperate conditions described in Lamentations 2:20.

2 Kings 25:1-3
Describes the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, providing historical context for the events lamented in Lamentations.

Jeremiah 19:9
Another prophecy of the dire consequences of Israel's disobedience, including the eating of one's own children.

Ezekiel 5:10
Echoes the theme of extreme judgment and the breakdown of societal norms due to sin and rebellion against God.