Lamentations chapter 4

vs 12

And of course they never could have, without God allowing it. It's interesting that Jerusalem had such a reputation across the world, or at the very least the Israelites thought they did.

vs 13

He still calls them prophets and priests, because they filled that office, despite the fact that they were totally doing the wrong thing and were not righteous.

vs 14

Whether they themselves recognise the huge role they have had to play in the fall of Jeruslam isn't quite clear from this verse, but what is damn clear is that other people recognise it.

vs 15

See, again, the idea that the Israelites know that it was the priests' fault is fine (Jeremiah was telling them as much all along), but how do the other nations know? Did the word of the prophets travel so far?

vs 16

The leaders and teachers are being judged more harshly than the common people. Paul doesn't pluck that concept out of the air.

vs 17

Everyone was waiting for someone, probably Egypt, to step in and help. It was never going to happen. They should have known better. They were just as blind.

vs 18

Not exactly sure what this means. Perhaps this is post-invasion, the marauders are still there, and when they see locals walking around they stalk them to see if they have anything left worth looting, or just to kill them for fun.

vs 19

Apparently they were really keen to make sure that whoever was from Jerusalem was killed or captured. Having them flee isn't good enough - they need to be flung to the far end of the empire to make sure they don't cause trouble.

vs 20

I assume he means the king. So not only are the priests and prophets for the most part useless, but even the king, in David's line, has been captured, possibly killed. Because apparently now they won't be living under him in the nations.

vs 21

Wait, Uz? You mean where Job lived? Anyway, I think the idea is that Edom, long a land of animosity to Israel, can cheer that their old enemy is gone, but the thing is Israel always acted as a bit of a northern shield for them, so now Edom is next. Ha ha ha, suck it, as it were.

vs 22

So while Israel and Edom might both get stomped, Jeremiah reminds his people that their punishment won't last forever. God will save them eventually. As for Edom? Tough. Punishment is all they can see.