Lamentations 1:10 - Summary and Commentary

Bible Verse: Lamentations 1:10: "The enemy hath spread out his hands upon all her pleasant things: for she hath seen that the heathen entered into her sanctuary, whom thou didst command that they should not enter into thy congregation."

Understanding the Context

This verse occurs within the book of Lamentations, which expresses deep sorrow and grief over the destruction of Jerusalem. It reflects the profound suffering of the people and their loss, particularly as they witness the desecration of their sacred spaces by foreign invaders.

• Matthew Henry: Henry emphasizes the emotional turmoil experienced by the people of Jerusalem as they see their city laid waste and their temple, the center of worship, violated by enemies. He explains that this act is both an insult to the Lord and a signal of His judgment against Israel.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes notes that the "pleasant things" refer to the treasures and sacred items of the temple. The entrance of the heathen into the sanctuary signifies a complete overthrow of the worship and reverence that once existed, illustrating God's sorrow over the rebellion of His people and subsequent judgment.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke provides insight into the profound implications of the enemy's actions. He points out that not only have the physical items been taken, but there is also a spiritual desolation that has resulted from the loss of God's presence in the temple.

Thematic Analysis

This verse currently serves as a poignant reminder of the serious consequences of sin and the resultant alienation from God. It illustrates the anguish of a people who have turned away from God and are now suffering the consequences of their actions.

Cross-References

There are several poignant verses that relate to Lamentations 1:10, illustrating the themes of loss, judgment, and the lamentation of God's people:

• Psalm 79:1: "O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps."
• Isaiah 63:18: "The people of thy holiness have possessed it but a little while: our adversaries have trodden down thy sanctuary."
• Ezekiel 7:24: "Wherefore I will bring the worst of the heathen, and they shall possess their houses: I will also make the pomp of the strong to cease; and their holy places shall be defiled."
• Daniel 9:7: "O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee."
• Micah 3:12: "Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of the forest."
• Matthew 23:38: "Behold, your house is left unto you desolate."
• Revelation 11:2: "But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months."

The Importance of Cross-Referencing

The practice of cross-referencing Biblical texts is essential for gaining a richer understanding of Scripture. By exploring the connections between Bible verses, we can uncover deeper meanings and context within the stories and teachings of the Bible.

Conclusion

Lamentations 1:10 serves as a powerful testament to the sorrow and shame that comes with sin and separation from God. The links between this verse and others throughout the Bible highlight the consistency of God's message regarding idolatry, judgment, and the hope of restoration.