In fierce anger He has cut off every horn of Israel and withdrawn His right hand at the approach of the enemy. He has burned in Jacob like a flaming fire that consumes everything around it. In fierce anger He has cut off every horn of IsraelThe "fierce anger" of God reflects His righteous judgment against the persistent sin and rebellion of Israel. The "horn" symbolizes strength and power in biblical literature, often representing the might of a nation or its leaders (Psalm 75:10, Daniel 7:24). The cutting off of every horn signifies the complete removal of Israel's power and defenses, leaving them vulnerable to their enemies. This judgment is consistent with the covenant curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28, where disobedience leads to national calamity. and withdrawn His right hand at the approach of the enemy. He has burned in Jacob like a flaming fire that consumes everything around it. Persons / Places / Events 1. IsraelRefers to the Northern Kingdom, representing the people of God who are experiencing judgment due to their disobedience and idolatry. 2. Jacob Another name for Israel, emphasizing the covenant relationship between God and His people, tracing back to the patriarch Jacob. 3. The Enemy Represents the foreign nations, particularly Babylon, that God uses as instruments of His judgment against Israel. 4. God's Right Hand Symbolizes God's power and protection, which He has withdrawn as a consequence of Israel's sin. 5. Fierce Anger of God Illustrates God's righteous indignation against sin and His willingness to discipline His people to bring them back to righteousness. Teaching Points God's Righteous JudgmentGod's judgment is a response to persistent sin and rebellion. It serves as a reminder of His holiness and the seriousness of sin. The Consequences of Disobedience Disobedience leads to the withdrawal of God's protection. We must strive to live in obedience to maintain His favor and protection. The Role of God's Discipline God's discipline, though severe, is meant to bring His people back to repentance and restoration. It is an act of love aimed at correction. The Importance of Repentance In times of judgment, repentance is crucial. Turning back to God can restore His favor and protection. God's Sovereignty in Judgment God uses nations and circumstances as instruments of His will. Recognizing His sovereignty helps us trust in His ultimate plan for redemption. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of God cutting off the "horn" of Israel relate to the concept of strength and power in biblical terms?2. In what ways can we see the withdrawal of God's "right hand" in our personal lives or communities today, and how should we respond? 3. How does understanding God's fierce anger and judgment in Lamentations 2:3 help us appreciate His mercy and grace in the New Testament? 4. What are some modern-day "enemies" that God might use to discipline His people, and how can we discern His purpose in these situations? 5. How can we apply the lessons of repentance and restoration from Lamentations 2:3 to our daily walk with God, especially when facing trials or discipline? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 75:10Discusses the cutting off of the horns of the wicked, which parallels the imagery of God cutting off Israel's strength. Jeremiah 21:5 Describes God withdrawing His hand of protection, similar to the imagery in Lamentations 2:3. Deuteronomy 32:22 Speaks of God's anger as a consuming fire, which aligns with the description of God's judgment in Lamentations.
People Jacob, JeremiahPlaces Jerusalem, ZionTopics Anger, Approach, Attacker, Backward, Burned, Burneth, Burning, Causing, Consumes, Consuming, Cut, Destruction, Devoured, Devoureth, Devouring, Devours, Drawn, Enemy, Face, Fierce, Fire, Flaming, Heat, Horn, Jacob, Round, Strength, Withdrawn, WrathDictionary of Bible Themes Lamentations 2:3 1025 God, anger of Library 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 2:3 NIVLamentations 2:3 NLT Lamentations 2:3 ESV Lamentations 2:3 NASB Lamentations 2:3 KJV Lamentations 2:3 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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