The LORD has done what He planned; He has accomplished His decree, which He ordained in days of old; He has overthrown you without pity. He has let the enemy gloat over you and exalted the horn of your foes. The LORD has done what He planned;This phrase emphasizes the sovereignty of God and His control over the events that unfold. It reflects the biblical theme that God’s plans are unchangeable and will come to pass as seen in Isaiah 46:10, where God declares the end from the beginning. The context of Lamentations is the destruction of Jerusalem, which was a fulfillment of God’s warnings through the prophets, such as Jeremiah, who foretold the consequences of Israel's disobedience. He has accomplished His decree, which He ordained in days of old; He has overthrown you without pity. He has let the enemy gloat over you and exalted the horn of your foes. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The sovereign God of Israel, who is depicted as executing His divine judgment upon Jerusalem. 2. Jerusalem The city that has been overthrown as a result of God's judgment, representing the people of Judah. 3. The Enemy The foreign nations, particularly Babylon, that have been used as instruments of God's judgment against Jerusalem. 4. The Prophet Jeremiah Traditionally considered the author of Lamentations, he laments the destruction of Jerusalem and the suffering of its people. 5. The Horn of Your Foes A metaphor for the strength and power of the enemies of Jerusalem, which God has allowed to rise. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and PurposeGod's actions are purposeful and align with His divine will. Even in judgment, His sovereignty is evident. The Consequences of Disobedience The destruction of Jerusalem serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commands. The Role of Prophecy God's decrees, as spoken through His prophets, are fulfilled. This underscores the reliability and authority of Scripture. The Reality of Divine Judgment God's judgment is real and can be severe, yet it is always just and deserved. Hope Beyond Judgment While the immediate context is one of despair, the broader biblical account assures us of restoration and redemption. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding God's sovereignty in Lamentations 2:17 affect your view of current world events?2. In what ways can the consequences faced by Jerusalem serve as a warning for personal and communal disobedience today? 3. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in Lamentations 2:17 strengthen your faith in the reliability of Scripture? 4. What are some modern-day "enemies" or challenges that God might be using to refine or discipline His people? 5. How can we find hope and assurance in God's character, even when facing His discipline or judgment? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 28This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, which are fulfilled in the events described in Lamentations. Jeremiah 25 Jeremiah prophesies the Babylonian captivity, which is the context for the lament in Lamentations. Isaiah 14 This passage speaks of the downfall of Babylon, providing a future hope that God will also judge those who oppress His people. Psalm 89 Discusses the concept of God's faithfulness and covenant, even amidst apparent abandonment. Habakkuk 1 The prophet questions why God allows the wicked to prosper, similar to the lament in Lamentations.
People Jacob, JeremiahPlaces Jerusalem, ZionTopics Accomplished, Adversaries, Ago, Broken, Carried, Caused, Causeth, Commanded, Decreed, Demolished, Devised, Enemy, Exalted, Foes, Force, Fulfilled, Glad, Gloat, Hater, Horn, Lifted, Lifting, Ordained, Orders, Overthrown, Past, Performed, Pitied, Pity, Pulling, Purpose, Purposed, Rejoice, Saying, Spared, Sparing, Threat, Thrown, UnsparinglyDictionary of Bible Themes Lamentations 2:17 4654 horn 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 2:17 NIVLamentations 2:17 NLT Lamentations 2:17 ESV Lamentations 2:17 NASB Lamentations 2:17 KJV Lamentations 2:17 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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