Baruch 4:16 - And they have carried away the dear beloved sons of the widow, and left her that was alone desolate of her daughters.

Generated Verse: Baruch 4:16

What does "Baruch 4:16" mean?


Baruch 4:16 is a lament over the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of its people. Let's break down the verse and its meaning:

"And they have carried away the dear beloved sons of the widow..." This refers to the young men of Jerusalem, who were considered precious and beloved. "Carried away" likely refers to being taken into captivity, specifically during the Babylonian exile. The "widow" is a metaphor for Jerusalem itself. In the ancient world, a widow was a vulnerable and powerless figure, representing loss, grief, and a lack of protection. Here, it symbolizes Jerusalem after it has lost its "husband," its king and its protectors.

"...and left her that was alone desolate of her daughters." This part describes the further devastation. "Left her...desolate of her daughters" means that the female population of Jerusalem was also taken away or scattered. "Daughters" can refer to the female inhabitants in general, but could also symbolize the surrounding cities or villages that were under Jerusalem's protection. The word "desolate" emphasizes the complete emptiness and abandonment of the city.

Overall Meaning:

The verse paints a picture of utter devastation and loss. Jerusalem, personified as a widow, has lost her strength (her sons) and her support system (her daughters). The city is left empty, vulnerable, and grieving due to the exile of its people. It is a powerful image of the consequences of disobedience and the tragic loss of home and community. It highlights the suffering of those who were left behind, particularly the women, who were left without husbands, sons, or brothers to provide for and protect them.

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