Panic and pitfallThis phrase captures the intense fear and unexpected dangers faced by the people of Jerusalem during the Babylonian siege. The term "panic" reflects the psychological terror and confusion experienced by the inhabitants, while "pitfall" suggests hidden traps or unforeseen calamities. Historically, the siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC was marked by such fear and treachery, as the city was surrounded and cut off from supplies. This imagery is reminiscent of the curses described in
Deuteronomy 28:66-67, where disobedience to God leads to a life of dread and uncertainty.
have come upon us
The use of "have come upon us" indicates the inevitability and suddenness of the calamities. It suggests that these events were not just random occurrences but were allowed by God as a consequence of the nation's persistent sin and rebellion. This aligns with the prophetic warnings given by Jeremiah and other prophets, who foretold the coming judgment due to the people's unfaithfulness (Jeremiah 25:8-11).
devastation and destruction
These terms emphasize the totality of the ruin experienced by Jerusalem. "Devastation" refers to the complete desolation of the land, while "destruction" highlights the physical and structural damage to the city and its temple. This devastation is a fulfillment of the prophetic warnings found inJeremiah 4:20 and 6:19, where God declares the coming disaster as a result of the people's sins. Theologically, this serves as a type of the ultimate judgment and destruction that will come upon the world at the end of the age, as described inRevelation 18. However, it also points to the hope of restoration and redemption through Christ, who offers salvation from spiritual devastation and destruction.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JeremiahTraditionally considered the author of Lamentations, Jeremiah is known as the "weeping prophet." He lamented the destruction of Jerusalem and the suffering of his people.
2.
JerusalemThe city that faced devastation and destruction at the hands of the Babylonians in 586 B.C. This event is central to the context of Lamentations.
3.
Babylonian SiegeThe military campaign led by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, resulting in the fall of Jerusalem and the exile of the Jewish people.
4.
The ExileThe period following the destruction of Jerusalem when many Jews were taken captive to Babylon, marking a significant moment of crisis and reflection for the Jewish people.
5.
The RemnantThe small group of Jews who remained in the land or returned after the exile, representing hope and the continuation of God's covenant people.
Teaching Points
The Reality of JudgmentLamentations 3:47 reminds us of the seriousness of God's judgment. It serves as a sobering reminder that sin has real consequences, both individually and collectively.
The Depth of Human SufferingThe verse captures the profound suffering experienced by the people of Jerusalem. It encourages us to empathize with those who suffer and to seek God's comfort and restoration.
The Call to RepentanceThe devastation described in Lamentations is a call to repentance. It challenges us to examine our own lives and turn back to God, seeking His mercy and forgiveness.
Hope Amidst DespairWhile the verse speaks of destruction, the broader context of Lamentations includes hope in God's faithfulness. We are reminded that even in our darkest moments, God is present and His mercies are new every morning.
Community and IntercessionThe communal nature of the suffering in Lamentations encourages us to stand with others in their trials, offering support and intercession in prayer.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Lamentations 3:47?
2.How does Lamentations 3:47 reflect God's judgment and mercy in our lives?
3.What lessons can we learn from "panic and pitfall" in our trials?
4.How does Lamentations 3:47 connect to God's promises in Romans 8:28?
5.In what ways can we seek God's guidance during times of "devastation and destruction"?
6.How can Lamentations 3:47 inspire us to trust God amidst life's challenges?
7.What historical events might Lamentations 3:47 be referencing with "panic and pitfall"?
8.How does Lamentations 3:47 reflect the overall theme of suffering in the book?
9.What theological implications arise from the calamities described in Lamentations 3:47?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Lamentations 3?
11.Does Lamentations 3 truly reflect historical events, or is there a lack of archaeological evidence to support such profound devastation?
12.Isaiah 3:25-26: How do the predicted devastations align (or conflict) with known historical or archaeological data on warfare and destruction in ancient Judah?
13.If God's mercies are 'new every morning' (Lamentations 3:23), why did He not prevent intense suffering and loss?
14.Lamentations 2:3 - Why would the Almighty break His own chosen nation's defenses with apparent ease, and does history corroborate this level of destruction?What Does Lamentations 3:47 Mean
Panic“Panic …” (Lamentations 3:47a).
• The exiles feel sheer terror—an inner collapse that comes when God withdraws His shelter (Leviticus 26:36;Deuteronomy 28:65).
• Earlier warnings had pictured the same dread: “We have heard reports … anguish has gripped us, pain like a woman in labor” (Jeremiah 6:24).
• Panic is not random; it is the direct consequence of persistent sin against a holy God (Jeremiah 2:19).
Pitfall“… and pitfall have come upon us …” (Lamentations 3:47a).
• A pitfall is a trap you do not see until you are in it (Psalm 35:8). Judah’s political alliances and self-confidence became the very snare that swallowed the nation (Jeremiah 2:37).
• Isaiah had warned, “Terror, pit, and snare await you” (Isaiah 24:17). The same trio strikes here, showing that God’s earlier prophecies were fulfilled to the letter.
• When God’s protection is removed, what looked like solid ground gives way (Jeremiah 18:22).
Devastation“—devastation …” (Lamentations 3:47b).
• The Hebrew mindset links devastation to the land itself: ruined crops, toppled walls, empty streets (Jeremiah 4:20; 52:14).
• This is what covenant violation brings: “Disaster follows disaster; the whole land is laid waste” (Jeremiah 4:20).
• The devastation confirms God’s justice—He said it would happen if Israel turned from Him (Deuteronomy 28:49–52).
Destruction“… and destruction.” (Lamentations 3:47b).
• Destruction goes beyond ruined property; it is the closing chapter of national life—temple burned, king captured, people exiled (2 Kings 25:9–11;Lamentations 2:9).
• Jeremiah had pleaded for repentance to avert this very outcome (Jeremiah 25:5–7). Ignored warnings now become irreversible judgment.
• Yet even here, hope flickers: God limits destruction so a remnant may return (Lamentations 3:31–33;Isaiah 10:22).
summaryEach word inLamentations 3:47 traces a downward spiral. Panic grips the heart, pitfall ensnares the path, devastation sweeps the land, and destruction seals the fate. The verse stands as proof that God means what He says in His covenant promises and warnings. Sin brings real, measurable ruin—but even in the rubble, His mercy keeps a doorway open for repentant hearts to find restoration.
(47)
Fear and a snare.--A quotation from
Jeremiah 48:43, and
Isaiah 24:17.
Desolation.--Better,devastation.The Hebrew noun is not found elsewhere, but the cognate verb inIsaiah 37:26 is rendered "to lay waste."
Verse 47. -
Fear and a snare. An alliteration in the Hebrew, borrowed from
Jeremiah 48:43 (comp.
Isaiah 24:17).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Panicפַּ֧חַד(pa·ḥaḏ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6343:A, alarmand pitfallוָפַ֛חַת(wā·p̄a·ḥaṯ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6354:A pit, for, catching animalshave come upon us—הָ֥יָה(hā·yāh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, bedevastationהַשֵּׁ֥את(haš·šêṯ)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7612:Perhaps devastationand destruction.וְהַשָּֽׁבֶר׃(wə·haš·šā·ḇer)Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7667:A breaking, fracture, crushing, breach, crash
Links
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OT Prophets: Lamentations 3:47 Fear and the pit are come (Lam. La Lm) 
