Lamentations 4:20
The breath of our nostrils, the LORD’s anointed, was captured in their pits, of whom we said, “Under his shadow we shall live among the nations.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse calls the king "the breath of our nostrils," a poetic way to say he was essential to their very life and survival. This wasn't just about political power; it highlights how deeply the people tied their national identity and hope for continued existence to their divinely appointed leader.
This verse follows the mournful description of Jerusalem's fall and the suffering of its people, focusing on the capture of King Zedekiah. The prophet laments that the king, who represented their national life and was their hope for security among surrounding nations, has been captured by the enemy. This capture signifies the ultimate loss of their sovereignty and the dashed hopes of maintaining any semblance of their kingdom.
The king is called 'the breath of our nostrils' and the one under whose 'shadow' they expected to live. What does this intense language reveal about ancient Israel's view of their king?
In ancient Israel, the king wasn't just a political leader; he was deeply intertwined with the nation's very survival and well-being.
The King as Life Source
Calling the king "the breath of our nostrils" (Lamentations 4:20) is incredibly significant. It echoes the creation account in Genesis, where God breathed life into Adam. This implies the king was seen as the embodiment of the nation's life force, its vitality, and its future. His well-being was directly linked to the people's existence. This wasn't just poetic flair; it reflected a profound belief in the king's divinely appointed role to preserve and sustain his people.
The King as Protector
The phrase "Under his shadow we shall live" points to the king's protective function. Like the shadow of a great tree or a sheltering rock, the king was expected to shield his people from harm – whether from internal strife or external enemies (the "nations" or "heathen"). This security was tied to his strength, his wisdom, and his leadership. His reign was meant to be a time of peace and stability, a refuge for the populace.
The king, the very breath of life and source of security, is 'captured in their pits.' What does this devastating image signify for the people's hopes?
The capture of King Zedekiah in Lamentations 4:20 is a moment of utter despair because it shatters the nation's deepest hopes and reveals the fragility of their security.
The Ruin of a Nation's Hope
Zedekiah, despite his flaws, represented the Davidic line and the covenant promises. The people had pinned their future on him, believing that under his rule, they could survive even amidst hostile nations. His capture wasn't just the fall of a king; it was the collapse of their national identity and their expectation of continuity. The "pits" symbolize a trap, a dark and undignified end, highlighting how suddenly and completely their hopes were extinguished.
Understand the original words
mashiyach · Hebrew Noun
The act of being set apart or consecrated for a specific divine purpose, particularly referring to kings or high priests who were set apart by the ceremonial application of oil.
neshamah · Hebrew Noun
The vital life force or spirit given by God to animate creatures; metaphorically representing the essential source of life, protection, or sustenance.
This verse laments the capture of King Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, during the final, devastating siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. The people had placed their hope for security and continuity in him, viewing him as a vital protector, but his capture symbolized the complete collapse of their nation and their hopes for survival amongst other peoples.
701 BC
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
King Sennacherib of Assyria besieges Jerusalem. Although Jerusalem survives, many surrounding Judean cities are destroyed, increasing dependence on the capital and its king.
609 BC
Death of King Josiah
King Josiah, a righteous ruler, is killed in battle against Pharaoh Necho of Egypt at Megiddo. His death plunges Judah into political turmoil and weakens its standing.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquers Judah and deports a first group of Jewish nobles and skilled workers, including Daniel, to Babylon. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
Following a rebellion, Nebuchadnezzar deports King Jehoiachin and more of Jerusalem's elite to Babylon. Zedekiah, Jehoiachin's uncle, is placed on the throne as a Babylonian vassal.
This passage describes the death of King Josiah, who was 'the Lord's anointed' and deeply loved by his people, similar to the lament over the captured king in Lamentations 4:20.
Jeremiah 22:24-28This prophecy directly addresses King Jeconiah (also called Coniah), speaking of his being taken captive, paralleling the helplessness and downfall described for the anointed king in Lamentations.
Ezekiel 12:10-13This passage foretells the capture of the prince of Israel (King Zedekiah) by the Chaldeans, describing him as being taken in a 'net' and brought to Babylon, which echoes the imagery of being caught in 'pits' in Lamentations 4:20.
Psalm 28:8This psalm speaks of God as 'the strength of his people' and 'the saving health of his anointed,' connecting the concept of the anointed king as a source of life and salvation for the nation, as expressed in Lamentations 4:20.
Isaiah 32:1-2This passage promises a future reign of righteousness where a king will rule with justice, and people will live 'under his shadow,' reflecting the hope expressed in Lamentations 4:20 for security and peace under their king, though that hope was tragically lost.
barnesLamentations 4:20: "The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the LORD, was taken in their pits, of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall live among the heathen."
The breath of our nostrils - Zedekiah is not set before us as a vicious king, but rather as a man who had not strength enough of character to stem the evil current of his times. And now that the state was fallen he was as the very breath of life to the fugitives, who would have no rallying point without him. In their pits - The wo…
clarkeLamentations 4:20: "The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the LORD, was taken in their pits, of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall live among the heathen."
The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the Lord - That is, Zedekiah the king, who was as the life or the city, was taken in his flight by the Chaldeans, and his eyes were put out; so that he was wholly unfit to perform any function of government; though they had fondly hoped that if they surrendered and should be led captives…
The verse calls the king "the breath of our nostrils," a poetic way to say he was essential to their very life and survival. This wasn't just about political power; it highlights how deeply the people tied their national identity and hope for continued existence to their divinely appointed leader.
This verse follows the mournful description of Jerusalem's fall and the suffering of its people, focusing on the capture of King Zedekiah. The prophet laments that the king, who represented their national life and was their hope for security among surrounding nations, has been captured by the enemy. This capture signifies the ultimate loss of their sovereignty and the dashed hopes of maintaining any semblance of their kingdom.
This verse follows the mournful description of Jerusalem's fall and the suffering of its people, focusing on the capture of King Zedekiah. The prophet laments that the king, who represented their national life and was their hope for security among surrounding nations, has been captured by the enemy. This capture signifies the ultimate loss of their sovereignty and the dashed hopes of maintaining any semblance of their kingdom.
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Broken Promises and Divine Judgment
This event underscores a painful reality: human leaders, even those appointed by God, can fail. The hope placed in Zedekiah proved to be misplaced, leading to profound disillusionment. The prophet's lament points not only to the king's personal tragedy but also to the broader national catastrophe, suggesting that this downfall was part of a larger divine judgment for the people's unfaithfulness.
588-587 BC— this verse
Babylonian Siege and Fall of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar lays siege to Jerusalem for the final time. The city walls are breached, leading to widespread destruction and a third, massive deportation.
587-582 BC
Final Deportations and Destruction of Temple
After the fall of Jerusalem, further deportations occur. The Temple is destroyed, and the remaining population is scattered or taken captive.
"The breath of our nostrils, the LORD’s anointed, was captured in their pits, of whom we said, “Under his shadow we shall live among the nations.”" — The verse calls the king "the breath of our nostrils," a poetic way to say he was essential to their very life and survival. This wasn't just about political power; it highlights how deeply the peopl…
