Lamentations 2:7

The Lord has rejected His altar; He has abandoned His sanctuary; He has delivered the walls of her palaces into the hand of the enemy. They have raised a shout in the house of the LORD as on the day of an appointed feast.

Study Bible

The Lord has rejected His altar
The Hebrew word for "rejected" is "zanach," which conveys a sense of casting away or spurning. This rejection is not a mere passive disapproval but an active decision by God to distance Himself from the altar, which was central to Israel's worship and sacrificial system. The altar, once a place of divine encounter and atonement, is now forsaken, symbolizing the broken relationship between God and His people due to their persistent disobedience and idolatry. This rejection serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness with which God views sin and the consequences of turning away from His commandments.

He has abandoned His sanctuary
The term "abandoned" comes from the Hebrew "natash," meaning to leave or forsake. The sanctuary, the holy place where God's presence dwelled among His people, is now deserted. This abandonment signifies the withdrawal of God's protective presence, leaving the sanctuary vulnerable to desecration. Historically, this reflects the Babylonian destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, a devastating event for the Israelites who saw the temple as the heart of their spiritual and national identity. Theologically, it underscores the theme of divine judgment and the loss of God's favor when His people persist in sin.

He has delivered into the hand of the enemy the walls of her palaces
The phrase "delivered into the hand" uses the Hebrew "nathan," meaning to give or hand over. This indicates a deliberate act of God allowing the enemy to conquer and destroy. The "walls of her palaces" refer to the fortifications and royal buildings of Jerusalem, symbols of strength and security. Their fall represents the complete collapse of what was once a proud and fortified city. This act of delivering Jerusalem into enemy hands is a fulfillment of prophetic warnings and serves as a stark illustration of the consequences of national sin and rebellion against God.

They have raised a shout in the house of the LORD as on the day of an appointed feast
The "shout" here is a cry of triumph from the enemy, contrasting sharply with the joyous shouts of worship and celebration that would typically occur during an "appointed feast." The Hebrew word for "shout" is "qol," which can mean a loud voice or sound. This ironic reversal, where the house of the LORD becomes a place of enemy celebration, highlights the depth of Jerusalem's humiliation and the desecration of what was once sacred. The "appointed feast" refers to the regular festivals ordained by God, times of joy and remembrance of His faithfulness. The enemy's mockery during such a time underscores the severity of God's judgment and the profound loss experienced by His people. This serves as a call to repentance and a reminder of the need for faithfulness to God to avoid such devastating consequences.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Lord
The sovereign God of Israel, who is depicted as having rejected His own altar and sanctuary due to the people's unfaithfulness.

2. The Altar and Sanctuary
Central places of worship in Jerusalem, symbolizing God's presence and the covenant relationship with His people.

3. The Enemy
The foreign powers, likely the Babylonians, who have been allowed by God to conquer Jerusalem and desecrate the holy places.

4. The Walls of Her Palaces
Refers to the fortifications of Jerusalem, which have been breached by the enemy.

5. The House of the LORD
The temple in Jerusalem, which was the center of Jewish worship and the symbol of God's dwelling among His people.

Teaching Points

God's Holiness and Justice
God's rejection of His altar and sanctuary underscores His holiness and the seriousness of sin. He cannot dwell where sin is rampant.

The Consequences of Unfaithfulness
The destruction of the temple and the city walls serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God.

The Importance of True Worship
The desecration of the temple highlights the need for genuine worship and a heart aligned with God's will, rather than mere ritualistic practices.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
Even in judgment, God is sovereign. He uses nations and events to fulfill His purposes, calling His people back to repentance.

Hope in Restoration
While Lamentations is a book of mourning, it also points to the hope of restoration and renewal for those who return to God with a repentant heart.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the rejection of the altar and sanctuary in Lamentations 2:7 reflect God's response to Israel's unfaithfulness, and what does this teach us about the nature of true worship?

2. In what ways can we see parallels between the events described in Lamentations 2:7 and the warnings given in Jeremiah 7:12-14?

3. How does the concept of God's presence departing from the temple in Lamentations 2:7 relate to the New Testament understanding of believers as the temple of the Holy Spirit?

4. What lessons can we learn from the destruction of Jerusalem's walls and temple about the consequences of neglecting our spiritual defenses?

5. How can the themes of judgment and hope in Lamentations 2:7 encourage us to seek personal and communal repentance and restoration today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 7:12-14
This passage speaks of God warning the people of Judah that their trust in the temple as a talisman for safety is misplaced, similar to the rejection seen in Lamentations 2:7.

1 Samuel 4:21-22
The capture of the Ark of the Covenant by the Philistines is another instance where God's presence departs due to Israel's unfaithfulness.

Ezekiel 10:18-19
Describes the glory of the Lord departing from the temple, signifying God's judgment and the removal of His presence.

Matthew 23:37-38
Jesus laments over Jerusalem, foretelling the destruction of the temple due to the people's rejection of Him.