Summary of Lamentations 2:7

This verse encapsulates a profound sense of abandonment and desolation faced by the people of Jerusalem after the destruction of the city. It emphasizes that God has forsaken both His altar and His sanctuary, signifying a complete withdrawal of divine favor and protection over His people.

Insights from Commentaries

• Matthew Henry: He explains that this verse highlights God’s rejection of His own house due to the sins of the people. The “altar” and “sanctuary” denote God’s dwelling with humanity, emphasizing the gravity of being forsaken.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes illustrates the mourning for the holy places that were expected to be sacred and revered. The mention of the “enemy” suggests that not only has God departed, but the city is now prey to destruction and derision.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke points out that the verse reflects a state of helplessness and despair for the people, understanding that their spiritual sustenance has been severely affected. The phrase about making noise in the house signifies a mockery of their worship.

Relating Themes & Cross-references

Lamentations 2:7 connects with several notable themes throughout Scripture. Below are some corresponding cross-referenced Bible verses:

• Psalm 74:7: "They have cast fire into Thy sanctuary; they have defiled by casting down the dwelling place of Thy name to the ground." - This Psalm echoes the destruction of the sanctuary.
• Jeremiah 7:14: "Therefore will I do unto this house, which is called by my name, wherein ye trust, and unto the place which I gave to you and to your fathers, as I have done to Shiloh." - It highlights God’s anger being directed toward His temple.
• Isaiah 64:10-11: "Thy holy cities are a wilderness, Zion is a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation." - It complements Lamentations’ theme of desolation and loss of God’s presence.
• Ezekiel 10:18: "Then the glory of the Lord departed from off the threshold of the house." - Indicates the departure of God’s presence from His house.
• 1 Samuel 4:21: "And she named the child Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel." - A direct parallel to the themes of loss in Lamentations.
• Matthew 23:38: "Behold, your house is left unto you desolate." - Jesus reflecting the abandonment similar to that seen in Lamentations.
• Romans 1:28: "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind..." - Reflects the consequences of forsaking God.

Thematic Bible Verse Connections

The thematic connections between Lamentations 2:7 and other Scriptures can be identified through various methods:

• Understanding Consequences: The verse clearly portrays the consequences of sin and disobedience, mirroring the warnings found in Leviticus 26:31-32.
• God’s Judgment: Similar to Amos 5:21-23, this verse depicts God’s disapproval of empty worship.
• Abandonment of Worship: Connections can also be made to Malachi 1:10, where God laments unworthy offerings.

Comparative Bible Verse Analysis

In analyzing Lamentations 2:7, one may incorporate various study tools such as concordances or Bible cross-reference guides. This will enhance the understanding of how interconnected Bible verses can illustrate a more comprehensive theological narrative.

• Using a Bible concordance helps reveal the broader semantic field of key terms in Lamentations.
• Cross-reference Bible studies can provide insights into the historical context and thematic implications.
• Consider employing a Bible chain reference system to see how various books of the Bible interact on the theme of God’s presence versus absence.

Conclusion

Lamentations 2:7 profoundly illustrates the sorrow of divine abandonment—theological depth that resonates through various passages in the Bible. Analyzing this verse and its connections enriches understanding and encourages reflection upon the critical themes of sin, judgment, and redemption in biblical scripture.