Lamentations 2 Chapter Introduction

Structure and Formatting

Lamentations 2 is a 22–verse acrostic poem; each verse begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The poet portrays Yahweh himself as a warrior and enemy who has brought destruction on Jerusalem and her people.

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Lament

The daughter of Zion

The phrase “daughter of Zion” is an idiom, a common expression in the original language for referring to a city and its inhabitants. Translators should render this in a way that is clear and natural in their language.

The footstool of God

The temple in Jerusalem was spoken of as the footstool of God, the place where his presence rested on earth. This image makes the destruction of the temple especially shocking.

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Acrostic structure

Each verse begins with a successive Hebrew letter (aleph through taw). Most languages cannot reproduce this pattern; a brief note explaining the acrostic to readers is sufficient.