Lamentations 2:21

Arabic 2016 (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)

الشَّبَابُ وَالشُّيُوخُ انطَرَحُوا أمْوَاتًا فِي الطُرُقَاتِ. عَذَارَايَ وَشَبَابِي سَقَطُوا بِالسَّيْفِ. أنْتَ قَتَلْتَهُمْ يَا رَبُّ فِي يَوْمِ غَضَبِكَ. ذَبَحْتَهُمْ دُونَ رَحمَةٍ.

What Does This Mean?

This verse describes a tragic scene where people of all ages have died in the streets, killed by war or violence. The speaker, likely Jerusalem personified, is lamenting the loss of young people, blaming God for the tragedy. The key message is the severity of the loss and God's role in it.

Explained for Children

Imagine if everyone in your neighborhood, from little kids to grandpas, fell down in the street and couldn't get up. That's what this verse is talking about. It's a very sad story, and someone is saying that God made this happen.

Historical Background

Lamentations is traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, written after the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BCE. The text reflects the despair and sorrow of the Jewish people who witnessed their city's destruction and the loss of many lives.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, this verse can be seen as a reflection on the aftermath of war or tragedy, where innocent lives are lost and communities grieve. It can help us understand the emotional weight of such events and the search for meaning in suffering.

Topics

• grief
• war
• loss
• divine justice
• tragedy
• suffering

Related Verses

• Jeremiah 9:20
• Ezekiel 9:6
• 2 Kings 25:9
• Psalms 78:49
• Revelation 6:12

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the speaker blaming God for the deaths?

The speaker, possibly Jerusalem personified, is attributing the tragic events to God's anger, reflecting a belief in divine retribution for the people's sins.

How does this verse relate to the theme of loss?

This verse powerfully illustrates the theme of loss, showing the devastating impact of war on a community, where both the young and old are affected.

Is there hope mentioned in this verse?

While the verse does not explicitly mention hope, it sets the stage for later themes of lament and eventually, hope for restoration found in the broader context of Lamentations.

What does this verse teach about God's justice?

The verse portrays a view of God's justice where He punishes severely for sin, but also invites readers to consider the broader theological context of God's character and justice in the Bible.