Lamentations 4:21

Rejoice and be glad, O daughter of Edom, that dwellest in the land of Uz; the cup also shall pass through unto thee: thou shalt be drunken, and shalt make thyself naked.

Lamentations 4:21 (KJV)

Context

Lamentations is a book of sorrow and mourning, traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah. It is a poetic reflection on the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the Israelites. Lamentations 4:21 specifically addresses the daughter of Edom, a reference to the nation of Edom or the Edomites, who were the descendants of Esau, the twin brother of Jacob (Israel). The verse is part of a larger section, Lamentations 4:21-22, that concludes the chapter with a promise that Zion’s punishment will be complete while Edom’s iniquity will be exposed.

Meaning

The opening phrase, “Rejoice and be glad, O daughter of Edom,” may initially seem contradictory in a book focused on lamentation. However, this statement is ironic and meant to convey a message of divine judgment. The prophet is sarcastically calling the daughter of Edom to rejoice, implying that her joy will be short-lived. Edom had rejoiced over Judah’s downfall, but the prophet declares that the same cup of God’s wrath that Judah drank will pass to Edom.

The land of Uz is a region associated with the Edomites, as seen in Genesis 36. The “cup” is a metaphorical representation of God’s judgment and wrath, an image used throughout the Bible, including in Jeremiah 25:15-29 and Habakkuk 2:16. Here, it signifies that the judgment that befell Jerusalem will also come upon Edom.

To be “drunken” symbolizes being overwhelmed by the consequences of one’s actions and the wrath of God. Being “naked” signifies being exposed and vulnerable, stripped of strength and power. This imagery describes the extent of Edom’s judgment: a reversal of her pride into shameful exposure and humiliation.

Biblical connections

The immediate context of Lamentations 4:20-22 contrasts the capture of “the breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the LORD” (likely King Zedekiah) with the promise that Edom’s punishment will come, while Zion’s punishment will end. The call to “rejoice” is not a genuine invitation but a sarcastic anticipation of Edom’s coming downfall. This verse fits the broader biblical pattern of God humbling the proud and vindicating His people.

Application

This verse serves as a reminder that God is just and will hold all nations accountable for their actions. It also highlights the consequences of rejoicing over the misfortunes of others, as such an attitude goes against the principles of love, compassion, and empathy. For the Christian reader, it is a sobering reminder that God is the judge of all the earth, and that rejoicing in the misfortunes of others is contrary to the spirit of Christ.

Reflection

Lamentations 4:21 emphasizes the universal nature of divine judgment and the importance of treating others with kindness and compassion, rather than rejoicing over their hardships. While Edom might celebrate temporarily, their own destruction is imminent. The verse should be interpreted within the book’s overall theme of lament and hope in God’s steadfast love, even amid judgment.