The expression "Alas! Alas!" is a poignant cry found throughout the Bible, often associated with deep sorrow, lamentation, and impending doom. This cry is a vocalization of grief and despair, reflecting the human response to divine judgment, personal loss, or catastrophic events. The use of "Alas!" in the Scriptures serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of sin, the reality of divine justice, and the profound emotional experiences of biblical figures.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the cry of "Alas!" is frequently associated with the prophets and their messages of warning to the people of Israel and Judah. The prophets often used this expression to convey the seriousness of God's impending judgment due to the people's unfaithfulness and idolatry. For instance, in Jeremiah 4:13, the prophet laments, "Behold, he advances like the clouds, his chariots are like a whirlwind; his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe to us, for we are ruined!" . Here, the cry of "Woe" is akin to "Alas," expressing the inevitability of destruction due to the nation's sins.

Similarly, in Ezekiel 30:2, the prophet declares, "Son of man, prophesy and say, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says: Wail, ‘Alas for that day!’" . This proclamation is part of a larger oracle against Egypt, emphasizing the certainty of divine retribution and the resulting lamentation.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the cry of "Alas! Alas!" is prominently featured in the Book of Revelation, where it is associated with the fall of Babylon the Great. Revelation 18:10 describes the lament of the kings of the earth: "They will stand afar off in fear of her torment, saying, ‘Woe, woe to the great city, the mighty city of Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.’" . This expression of woe underscores the sudden and complete nature of Babylon's downfall, symbolizing the ultimate defeat of evil and the triumph of God's justice.

The merchants and seafarers also echo this lament in Revelation 18:16 and 18:19, mourning the loss of their wealth and trade: "‘Woe, woe to the great city, clothed in fine linen and purple and scarlet, adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls!’" . The repetition of "Woe, woe" highlights the depth of their despair and the irreversible nature of the judgment.

Theological Significance

The cries of "Alas! Alas!" in the Bible serve as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the reality of divine judgment. These expressions of lamentation are not merely emotional outbursts but are deeply rooted in the recognition of God's holiness and justice. They call believers to a posture of repentance and humility, acknowledging the seriousness of sin and the need for God's mercy.

Moreover, the use of "Alas!" in prophetic literature underscores the role of the prophets as God's messengers, tasked with warning the people and calling them back to covenant faithfulness. The cries of lamentation are both a reflection of the prophets' own anguish over the people's unfaithfulness and a call to the people to return to the Lord.

In the apocalyptic context of Revelation, the cries of "Alas! Alas!" highlight the ultimate victory of God over evil and the establishment of His righteous kingdom. They serve as a reminder to believers of the transient nature of worldly power and wealth and the enduring nature of God's kingdom.

Conclusion

The biblical cries of "Alas! Alas!" are a profound expression of human sorrow in the face of divine judgment and a call to repentance and faithfulness. They remind believers of the seriousness of sin, the certainty of God's justice, and the hope of redemption through Christ.