Lamentations 2:13

What can I say for you? To what can I compare you, O Daughter of Jerusalem? To what can I liken you, that I may console you, O Virgin Daughter of Zion? For your wound is as deep as the sea. Who can ever heal you?

Study Bible

What can I say for you?
This phrase reflects the prophet Jeremiah's deep sorrow and empathy for Jerusalem. It indicates a moment of profound grief where words seem inadequate. Jeremiah, known as the "weeping prophet," often expressed his lament for the people of Judah, who faced the consequences of their disobedience to God. This rhetorical question underscores the depth of the city's suffering and the prophet's struggle to find words of comfort.

To what can I compare you, O Daughter of Jerusalem?
Jerusalem is personified as a daughter, emphasizing the intimate relationship between God and His chosen city. The use of "Daughter of Jerusalem" highlights the city's vulnerability and cherished status. The comparison suggests that Jerusalem's suffering is unparalleled, echoing the unique role the city played in biblical history as the center of worship and the location of the Temple.

To what can I liken you, that I may console you, O Virgin Daughter of Zion?
The term "Virgin Daughter of Zion" signifies purity and a special status before God, yet it also highlights the tragic fall from grace due to sin and idolatry. The prophet's search for a comparison to console Jerusalem indicates the magnitude of the city's devastation. Zion, often synonymous with Jerusalem, is central to biblical prophecy and eschatology, symbolizing God's eternal kingdom.

For your wound is as deep as the sea.
This metaphor illustrates the vastness and severity of Jerusalem's suffering. The sea, often representing chaos and depth in biblical literature, conveys the overwhelming nature of the city's affliction. Historically, the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon in 586 BC was catastrophic, leading to exile and loss. The imagery of a deep wound also points to the spiritual and moral decay that led to this judgment.

Who can ever heal you?
The rhetorical question emphasizes the hopelessness of the situation from a human perspective. It points to the need for divine intervention, as only God can truly heal and restore. This echoes the broader biblical theme of redemption and the promise of restoration through the Messiah. The question invites reflection on the ultimate healing found in Jesus Christ, who offers salvation and restoration to all who believe.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Daughter of Jerusalem
A poetic term referring to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, often used to personify the city itself.

2. Virgin Daughter of Zion
Another term for Jerusalem, emphasizing purity and the city's special status before God.

3. Jeremiah
Traditionally considered the author of Lamentations, a prophet who witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem.

4. Babylonian Siege
The historical event leading to the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, which is the backdrop of Lamentations.

5. The Wound
Symbolic of the deep suffering and devastation experienced by Jerusalem due to the Babylonian conquest.

Teaching Points

The Depth of Sin's Consequences
The "wound as deep as the sea" illustrates the profound impact of sin and disobedience. Recognize the seriousness of sin in our lives and its potential to cause deep spiritual and emotional wounds.

The Inadequacy of Human Comfort
The rhetorical questions highlight the inability of human efforts to provide true comfort and healing. We must turn to God as the ultimate source of comfort and restoration.

God's Compassionate Heart
Despite the severity of the judgment, God's heart is still moved with compassion for His people. This encourages us to seek His mercy and grace in times of distress.

Hope for Healing
While the wound is deep, the question "Who can heal you?" points to God as the ultimate healer. Trust in God's power to heal and restore, no matter how deep the hurt.

The Call to Repentance
The devastation serves as a call to repentance and turning back to God. Reflect on areas in your life where repentance is needed and seek God's forgiveness and renewal.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of a "wound as deep as the sea" help us understand the impact of sin in our lives and communities?

2. In what ways can we seek God's comfort and healing when human efforts fall short?

3. How does the compassionate heart of God, as seen in Lamentations, encourage us in our personal struggles?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to trust in God's healing power in our lives today?

5. How can the call to repentance in Lamentations 2:13 inspire us to examine our own lives and seek spiritual renewal?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 1:5-6
This passage also uses the metaphor of a wound to describe the spiritual and moral decay of Israel, highlighting the need for healing.

Jeremiah 8:21-22
Jeremiah laments the lack of healing for his people, asking rhetorically if there is no balm in Gilead, which parallels the deep wound imagery in Lamentations.

Psalm 147:3
This verse speaks of God healing the brokenhearted and binding up their wounds, offering hope for restoration.

Revelation 21:4
The promise of God wiping away every tear and healing all pain in the new creation, providing ultimate comfort and hope.