Lamentations 2:12 - They ask their mothers, “Where is grain and wine?” when they swoon as the wounded in the streets of the city, when their soul is poured out into their mothers’ bosom.
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What does "Lamentations 2:12" mean?
This verse from Lamentations 2:12 paints a harrowing picture of the utter devastation and starvation within a besieged city. Let's break it down:
"They ask their mothers, 'Where is grain and wine?'": This desperate plea from children to their mothers highlights the severe famine plaguing the city. Grain and wine were staples, symbols of sustenance and joy. The children's innocent question reveals their basic needs are unmet, and their mothers are helpless to provide.
"When they swoon as the wounded in the streets of the city...": This describes the physical state of the children. "Swooning" implies they are weak, faint, and on the verge of collapse. The comparison to the "wounded" emphasizes their suffering, even though they may not be physically injured by weapons, they are victims of the siege and famine. The fact that they are collapsing in the "streets of the city" highlights the widespread nature of the suffering. It's not just a few isolated cases; the entire community is afflicted.
"...when their soul is poured out into their mothers’ bosom.": This is a powerful image of utter despair and near death. The "soul being poured out" suggests a life force draining away, an utter depletion of strength and hope. The act of seeking comfort in their "mothers' bosom" underscores their vulnerability and dependence. It's a natural instinct to seek solace and security in their mothers during times of distress. This detail further highlights the tragedy of the situation, as even a mother's love and comfort cannot alleviate the physical suffering caused by the famine.
Overall Meaning:
The verse encapsulates the horrific consequences of the siege and the destruction of Jerusalem (the context of Lamentations). It emphasizes:
The Severity of the Famine: The children's desperate plea for food illustrates the extremity of the food shortage.
The Physical Suffering: The "swooning" and comparison to the "wounded" depict the physical toll of starvation.
The Emotional Despair: The image of the "soul being poured out" highlights the utter hopelessness and loss of life force.
The Vulnerability of the Innocent: The suffering of children is particularly poignant, emphasizing the tragic nature of the events.
In essence, Lamentations 2:12 is a heart-wrenching verse that conveys the devastating impact of war and siege on the most vulnerable members of society: the children, who are starving, helpless, and seeking comfort from their equally helpless mothers. It serves as a powerful condemnation of the destruction and suffering brought about by the events it describes.
Lamentations 2:12 - They ask their mothers, “Where is grain and wine?” when they swoon as the wounded in the streets of the city, when their soul is poured out into their mothers’ bosom.
What does "Lamentations 2:12" mean?
This verse from Lamentations 2:12 paints a harrowing picture of the utter devastation and starvation within a besieged city. Let's break it down:
"They ask their mothers, 'Where is grain and wine?'": This desperate plea from children to their mothers highlights the severe famine plaguing the city. Grain and wine were staples, symbols of sustenance and joy. The children's innocent question reveals their basic needs are unmet, and their mothers are helpless to provide.
"When they swoon as the wounded in the streets of the city...": This describes the physical state of the children. "Swooning" implies they are weak, faint, and on the verge of collapse. The comparison to the "wounded" emphasizes their suffering, even though they may not be physically injured by weapons, they are victims of the siege and famine. The fact that they are collapsing in the "streets of the city" highlights the widespread nature of the suffering. It's not just a few isolated cases; the entire community is afflicted.
"...when their soul is poured out into their mothers’ bosom.": This is a powerful image of utter despair and near death. The "soul being poured out" suggests a life force draining away, an utter depletion of strength and hope. The act of seeking comfort in their "mothers' bosom" underscores their vulnerability and dependence. It's a natural instinct to seek solace and security in their mothers during times of distress. This detail further highlights the tragedy of the situation, as even a mother's love and comfort cannot alleviate the physical suffering caused by the famine.
Overall Meaning:
The verse encapsulates the horrific consequences of the siege and the destruction of Jerusalem (the context of Lamentations). It emphasizes:
The Severity of the Famine: The children's desperate plea for food illustrates the extremity of the food shortage.
The Physical Suffering: The "swooning" and comparison to the "wounded" depict the physical toll of starvation.
The Emotional Despair: The image of the "soul being poured out" highlights the utter hopelessness and loss of life force.
The Vulnerability of the Innocent: The suffering of children is particularly poignant, emphasizing the tragic nature of the events.
In essence, Lamentations 2:12 is a heart-wrenching verse that conveys the devastating impact of war and siege on the most vulnerable members of society: the children, who are starving, helpless, and seeking comfort from their equally helpless mothers. It serves as a powerful condemnation of the destruction and suffering brought about by the events it describes.