Lamentations 2:20

Look, O LORD, and consider: Whom have You ever treated like this? Should women eat their offspring, the infants they have nurtured? Should priests and prophets be killed in the sanctuary of the Lord?

Study Bible

Look, O LORD, and consider:
This phrase is a plea for divine attention and intervention. It reflects the deep anguish and desperation of the people of Jerusalem. The call to God to "look" and "consider" is a common biblical motif, seen in other lamentations and prayers throughout the Psalms (e.g., Psalm 25:18). It underscores the belief in a personal God who is aware of human suffering and capable of responding to it.

Whom have You ever treated like this?
This rhetorical question emphasizes the unprecedented nature of the suffering experienced by Jerusalem. Historically, the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BC was a catastrophic event for the Israelites, marking the end of the Davidic kingdom and the beginning of the Babylonian exile. The question implies that the severity of the punishment is unparalleled, highlighting the gravity of the people's sins and the resulting divine judgment.

Should women eat their offspring, the infants they have nurtured?
This horrific image is a hyperbolic expression of the extreme conditions during the siege of Jerusalem. It echoes the curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28:53, where such cannibalism is predicted as a consequence of disobedience to God. The mention of women eating their children serves to illustrate the complete breakdown of societal norms and the depth of despair. It also serves as a stark reminder of the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where blessings and curses were contingent upon obedience.

Should priests and prophets be killed in the sanctuary of the Lord?
The killing of priests and prophets in the sanctuary signifies a profound desecration of what was considered holy. The sanctuary, or temple, was the center of religious life and a symbol of God's presence among His people. The death of religious leaders within this sacred space indicates a total collapse of spiritual leadership and protection. This event can be connected to the broader theme of judgment against false prophets and corrupt priests, as seen in passages like Jeremiah 23:11-12. It also foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the true High Priest, who would be rejected and crucified, fulfilling the role of both priest and prophet.

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 faced destruction and devastation, leading to the lamentations expressed in this book.

3. Women and Children
- Representing the extreme suffering and desperation during the siege, where even the most natural bonds were broken.

4. Priests and Prophets
- Religious leaders who were not spared from the violence, indicating the totality of the judgment.

5. The Sanctuary of the Lord
- The holy place where God was worshiped, now desecrated by violence and death.

Teaching Points

The Severity of Sin's Consequences
Sin leads to devastating consequences, not only spiritually but also physically and socially. The destruction of Jerusalem serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of turning away from God.

The Depth of Human Desperation
The imagery of women eating their offspring highlights the extreme desperation and breakdown of natural affections that can occur in times of severe judgment and crisis.

The Role of Religious Leaders
The killing of priests and prophets in the sanctuary underscores the failure of religious leaders to guide the people rightly and the comprehensive nature of God's judgment.

God's Justice and Mercy
While the passage highlights God's justice, it also calls us to seek His mercy. The lament is a plea for God to see and consider, reminding us that even in judgment, we can cry out to God for mercy.

The Call to Repentance
The devastation described should lead us to examine our own lives and communities, prompting repentance and a return to faithful obedience to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the historical context of the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem enhance our understanding of Lamentations 2:20?

2. In what ways does this verse illustrate the consequences of turning away from God, and how can we apply this understanding to our lives today?

3. How does the imagery of priests and prophets being killed in the sanctuary challenge our view of religious leadership and accountability?

4. What parallels can we draw between the desperation described in Lamentations 2:20 and other biblical accounts of judgment and redemption?

5. How can we, as a community of believers, respond to the call for repentance and seek God's mercy in times of crisis?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 28:53-57
This passage outlines the curses for disobedience, including the horrific scenario of cannibalism during a siege, which connects to the desperate conditions described in Lamentations 2:20.

2 Kings 25:1-3
Describes the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, providing historical context for the events lamented in Lamentations.

Jeremiah 19:9
Another prophecy of the dire consequences of Israel's disobedience, including the eating of one's own children.

Ezekiel 5:10
Echoes the theme of extreme judgment and the breakdown of societal norms due to sin and rebellion against God.