Lamentations 2:12

They cry out to their mothers: "Where is the grain and wine?" as they faint like the wounded in the streets of the city, as their lives fade away in the arms of their mothers.

Study Bible

They cry out to their mothers:
This phrase captures the desperation and helplessness of the children during the siege of Jerusalem. In ancient Near Eastern culture, mothers were seen as primary caregivers, and the cry to their mothers signifies a deep sense of need and vulnerability. The imagery of children crying out highlights the severe impact of the Babylonian siege on the most innocent and defenseless members of society. This reflects the fulfillment of the curses for disobedience outlined in Deuteronomy 28:53, where it is prophesied that during a siege, people would suffer extreme hunger.

“Where is the grain and wine?”
Grain and wine were staples of the diet in ancient Israel, symbolizing sustenance and joy. The absence of these essentials indicates a severe famine, a common consequence of prolonged sieges in the ancient world. This question underscores the dire conditions in Jerusalem, as prophesied in Jeremiah 14:18, where the lack of food and drink is a sign of God's judgment. The mention of grain and wine also contrasts with the abundance promised in times of obedience (Deuteronomy 11:14).

as they faint like the wounded in the streets of the city,
The comparison to the wounded suggests not only physical weakness due to starvation but also the trauma and suffering experienced during the siege. The streets, once places of community and commerce, have become scenes of despair and death. This imagery is reminiscent of the devastation described in Jeremiah 19:9, where the city is filled with the dead due to the siege. The fainting children symbolize the collapse of societal structures and the breakdown of normal life.

as their lives fade away in the arms of their mothers.
This poignant image emphasizes the personal and familial tragedy of the siege. The arms of the mothers, typically a place of safety and comfort, become the setting for death and loss. This phrase highlights the reversal of expected roles, where mothers, unable to provide for or protect their children, witness their suffering and demise. It echoes the lament in Jeremiah 31:15, where Rachel weeps for her children, refusing to be comforted because they are no more. The fading of life in this context can also be seen as a type of Christ's suffering, where the innocent suffer for the sins of the people, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus for humanity's redemption.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Children of Jerusalem
The verse depicts the suffering of the children during the siege of Jerusalem, highlighting their desperate cries for sustenance.

2. Mothers
The mothers are portrayed as helpless witnesses to their children's suffering, unable to provide for their basic needs.

3. Streets of the City
The streets of Jerusalem serve as the setting for this tragic scene, emphasizing the widespread devastation and despair.

4. Siege of Jerusalem
This event refers to the Babylonian siege that led to the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, a pivotal moment in Jewish history.

5. Prophet Jeremiah
Traditionally attributed as the author of Lamentations, Jeremiah laments the destruction and suffering of his people.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Disobedience
Lamentations 2:12 serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences of turning away from God. It calls believers to examine their own lives for areas of disobedience and to seek repentance.

The Depth of Human Suffering
This verse vividly portrays the depth of human suffering and the impact of sin on innocent lives. It encourages Christians to have compassion for those in distress and to be active in providing relief and support.

The Role of Lament in Faith
Lamentations teaches that it is acceptable to bring our sorrows and questions before God. It encourages believers to express their grief and seek comfort in God's presence.

Hope Amidst Despair
While the verse depicts despair, the broader message of Lamentations points to hope in God's faithfulness. Believers are reminded to trust in God's promises even in the darkest times.

The Importance of Community Support
The imagery of children crying out to their mothers highlights the need for community and family support during crises. Christians are called to be a source of strength and encouragement to one another.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Lamentations 2:12 illustrate the consequences of Israel's disobedience to God, and what lessons can we learn about obedience in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we, as a church community, respond to the suffering and needs of those around us, as depicted in this verse?

3. How does the theme of lament in Lamentations help us understand the role of expressing grief and seeking God during difficult times?

4. What parallels can you draw between the suffering described in Lamentations and the tribulations mentioned in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 24 or Revelation 18?

5. How can we find hope and assurance in God's faithfulness amidst the despair and suffering depicted in Lamentations 2:12?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 28
This chapter outlines the curses for disobedience to God's covenant, including famine and siege, which are realized in Lamentations.

Jeremiah 19
Jeremiah prophesies the coming destruction of Jerusalem, which is fulfilled in the events described in Lamentations.

Psalm 137
This psalm reflects the sorrow and longing of the exiled Israelites, similar to the lament in Lamentations.

Matthew 24
Jesus speaks of future tribulations, echoing the themes of suffering and desolation found in Lamentations.

Revelation 18
The fall of Babylon in Revelation parallels the fall of Jerusalem, symbolizing divine judgment.