Lamentations 2:21

Both young and old lie together in the dust of the streets. My young men and maidens have fallen by the sword. You have slain them in the day of Your anger; You have slaughtered them without compassion.

Study Bible

Young and old
This phrase highlights the indiscriminate nature of the calamity that has befallen Jerusalem. In the Hebrew text, "young" (בַּחוּרִים, bachurim) and "old" (זְקֵנִים, zekenim) emphasize the totality of the destruction, affecting all age groups. Historically, this reflects the Babylonian siege where no demographic was spared, underscoring the severity of God's judgment.

lie together in the dust of the streets
The imagery of lying in the dust signifies death and humiliation. "Dust" (עָפָר, afar) in Hebrew often symbolizes mortality and the return to the earth (Genesis 3:19). The streets, once bustling with life, now serve as a graveyard, illustrating the complete desolation and the reversal of life’s order due to divine judgment.

my young men and maidens
This phrase points to the loss of the future generation, the hope and strength of the community. "Young men" (בַּחוּרִים, bachurim) and "maidens" (בְּתוּלוֹת, betulot) represent vitality and potential. Their fall signifies not just a physical loss but a spiritual and cultural devastation, as the bearers of future promise are cut down.

have fallen by the sword
The sword (חֶרֶב, cherev) is a common biblical symbol of war and divine retribution. This phrase indicates a violent death, a direct consequence of the Babylonian invasion. It serves as a reminder of the covenantal curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28, where disobedience leads to such calamities.

You have slain them in the day of Your anger
This phrase attributes the destruction directly to God’s righteous indignation. "Slain" (הָרַג, harag) and "anger" (אַף, aph) reflect the divine response to persistent sin and rebellion. The "day of Your anger" suggests a specific, appointed time of judgment, emphasizing God’s sovereignty and justice.

You have slaughtered them without compassion
The word "slaughtered" (טָבַח, tabach) conveys a sense of complete and utter destruction. "Without compassion" (לֹא חָמַלְתָּ, lo chamalta) highlights the severity of the judgment, where divine mercy is withheld. This absence of compassion underscores the seriousness of sin and the holiness of God, who cannot tolerate iniquity indefinitely.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Young and Old
Represents the entire spectrum of society, indicating that the judgment of God was indiscriminate and affected all demographics.

2. Streets
Symbolizes the public and visible nature of the calamity, where the devastation is evident to all.

3. Young Men and Maidens
Highlights the loss of the future generation, emphasizing the depth of the tragedy.

4. The Sword
A metaphor for war and divine judgment, indicating the means by which destruction came.

5. Day of Your Anger
Refers to the time of God's judgment, a period when His wrath is poured out due to the people's sins.

Teaching Points

The Universality of Judgment
God's judgment affects all, regardless of age or status. This serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the impartiality of divine justice.

The Consequences of Sin
The devastation described is a direct result of the people's disobedience. It underscores the importance of repentance and aligning with God's will.

The Loss of Future Generations
The mention of young men and maidens highlights the impact of sin on future generations. It calls us to consider how our actions today affect those who come after us.

God's Righteous Anger
While God's anger is fierce, it is also just. Understanding this helps us appreciate His holiness and the need for reverence and obedience.

Hope Amidst Despair
Even in the midst of judgment, the book of Lamentations ultimately points to hope and restoration. This encourages us to seek God's mercy and trust in His redemptive plan.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the indiscriminate nature of God's judgment in Lamentations 2:21 challenge our understanding of His justice and mercy?

2. In what ways can the devastation described in this verse serve as a warning for contemporary society?

3. How do the themes of judgment and loss in Lamentations 2:21 connect with the broader account of God's redemptive plan in the Bible?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our actions today positively impact future generations, in light of the consequences seen in this passage?

5. How can we find hope and encouragement in God's character, even when facing the reality of His righteous anger as depicted in Lamentations 2:21?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 9:21
This verse also speaks of death entering through windows and cutting off children and young men, showing a parallel in the theme of widespread destruction.

Ezekiel 9:6
God commands the executioners to begin with the elders, showing that divine judgment starts with those who are responsible.

Isaiah 13:18
Describes the merciless nature of the invaders, similar to the lack of compassion seen in Lamentations 2:21.

Psalm 78:62-64
Speaks of God giving His people over to the sword and the loss of young men and maidens, echoing the themes of judgment and loss.