Jeremiah 9:19

19 For the sound of wailing is heard from Tziyon: 'We are utterly ruined, we are completely ashamed, because we have left the land, and our homes have been torn down!'"

Jeremiah 9:19 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 9:19

For a voice of wailing is heard out of Zion
Out of the fortress of Zion, out of the city of Jerusalem, which was thought to be inexpugnable, and could never be taken; but now a voice is heard out of that, deploring the desolation of it: how are we spoiled?
our houses destroyed, and we plundered of our substance: we are greatly confounded:
filled with shame, on account of their vain confidence; thinking their city would never be taken, and they were safe in it: because we have forsaken the land;
the land of Judea, being obliged to it, the enemy carrying them captive into other countries: because our dwellings have cast us out;
not suffering us to continue there any longer, as being unworthy of them; or enemies have cast down our habitations to the earth, as Jarchi; and so the Targum, "for our palaces are desolate"; the principal buildings in Jerusalem, as well as the houses of the common people, were thrown down to the ground, or burnt with fire, and particularly the temple; so that the whole was in a most ruinous condition, and a fit subject of a mournful song.

Jeremiah 9:19 In-Context

17 Thus says ADONAI-Tzva'ot: "Mark this, then summon the mourning women, so that they will come; send for those who are best [at mourning], so that they will come:

18 'Have them hurry and wail for us, so our eyes will be wet from crying, and our eyelids gush with tears.'

19 For the sound of wailing is heard from Tziyon: 'We are utterly ruined, we are completely ashamed, because we have left the land, and our homes have been torn down!'"

20 You women, hear the word of ADONAI! Let your ears receive the words from his mouth. Teach your daughters how to wail, have each teach her friend how to lament:

21 "Death has come up through our windows, it has entered our palaces, it has cut down children in the streets and young people in the public places."