All your enemies open their mouths against you. They hiss and gnash their teeth, saying, "We have swallowed her up. This is the day for which we have waited. We have lived to see it!" All your enemies open their mouths against you.This phrase reflects the intense hostility and mockery faced by Jerusalem from surrounding nations. In the ancient Near East, open hostility was often expressed verbally, and the imagery of enemies opening their mouths suggests both verbal assault and the intent to devour. This is reminiscent of Psalm 22:13, where the psalmist describes enemies as "roaring lions tearing their prey." The enemies' actions fulfill the warnings given by prophets like Jeremiah, who foretold the consequences of Israel's disobedience (Jeremiah 4:16-17). They hiss and gnash their teeth, saying, “We have swallowed her up. This is the day for which we have waited. We have lived to see it!” 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 is the focal point of Lamentations, representing the heart of Judah and the center of Jewish worship, now lying in ruins. 3. Enemies of Jerusalem - The surrounding nations and peoples who opposed Israel and Judah, often rejoicing in their downfall. 4. Babylonian Conquest - The historical event where Babylon, under King Nebuchadnezzar, besieged and destroyed Jerusalem in 586 BC. 5. The Day of the Lord - A concept often associated with judgment and fulfillment of prophecy, seen here as a day of reckoning for Jerusalem. Teaching Points The Reality of JudgmentGod's judgment is real and often comes as a result of persistent disobedience. The destruction of Jerusalem serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. The Pain of Mockery Experiencing mockery and scorn from enemies can be deeply painful. Believers are called to respond with grace and trust in God's justice rather than retaliate. The Fulfillment of Prophecy The events described in Lamentations were foretold by prophets like Jeremiah. This reminds us of the reliability of God's Word and the importance of heeding prophetic warnings. Hope Amidst Despair Even in the darkest times, there is hope. Lamentations, while a book of sorrow, also points to God's faithfulness and the possibility of restoration. Guarding Against Pride The enemies' gloating serves as a warning against pride and taking pleasure in others' misfortunes. Christians are called to humility and compassion. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the reaction of Jerusalem's enemies in Lamentations 2:16 reflect human nature's tendency to rejoice in others' failures, and how can we guard against this in our own lives?2. In what ways does the destruction of Jerusalem serve as a warning for us today regarding the consequences of disobedience to God? 3. How can we find hope and encouragement in the midst of personal or communal lament, as seen in the book of Lamentations? 4. What parallels can we draw between the mockery faced by Jerusalem and the mockery faced by Jesus, and how should this influence our response to persecution? 5. How can we apply the lessons from Lamentations 2:16 to foster a spirit of humility and compassion in our interactions with others, especially those who may be experiencing hardship? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 137This psalm reflects the sorrow and longing of the Israelites during the Babylonian exile, echoing the themes of lament and loss found in Lamentations. Obadiah 1:12-13 These verses warn against gloating over a brother's misfortune, similar to the enemies' rejoicing over Jerusalem's fall. Ezekiel 25:6 This passage speaks of God's judgment on those who rejoice over the downfall of His people, paralleling the enemies' attitudes in Lamentations 2:16. Matthew 27:39-44 The mocking of Jesus on the cross by His enemies can be seen as a New Testament parallel to the taunting of Jerusalem's enemies.
People Jacob, JeremiahPlaces Jerusalem, ZionTopics Ah, Certainly, Cry, Destroyed, Enemies, Forsooth, Gnash, Haters, Hiss, Hissed, Hisses, Longed, Making, Meal, Mouth, Mouths, Open, Opened, Opening, Rail, Reached, Scoff, Surely, Swallowed, Teeth, Waited, Whistling, Wide, YeaDictionary of Bible Themes Lamentations 2:16Library Watch-Night Service"Ye virgin souls, arise! With all the dead awake; Unto salvation wise; Oil in your vessels take: Upstarting at the MIDNIGHT CRY, Behold Your heavenly bridegroom nigh." Two brethren then offered prayer for the Church and the World, that the new year might be clothed with glory by the spread of the knowledge of Jesus.--Then followed the EXPOSITION Psalm 90:1-22 "Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. Yea Jehovah, WE, they children, can say that thou hast been our home, our safe … Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856 Chel. The Court of the Women. Appendix ix. List of Old Testament Passages Messianically Applied in Ancient Rabbinic Writings Departure from Ireland. Death and Burial at Clairvaux. That the Ruler Should be Discreet in Keeping Silence, Profitable in Speech. Lii. Concerning Hypocrisy, Worldly Anxiety, Watchfulness, and his Approaching Passion. Lamentations Links Lamentations 2:16 NIVLamentations 2:16 NLT Lamentations 2:16 ESV Lamentations 2:16 NASB Lamentations 2:16 KJV Lamentations 2:16 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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