Our inheritance has been turned over to strangersThe concept of "inheritance" in the Old Testament often refers to the land that God promised to the Israelites, a central aspect of their identity and covenant with God (
Genesis 12:7). This inheritance was not just a physical possession but a symbol of God's faithfulness and the people's relationship with Him. The turning over of this inheritance to "strangers" signifies a profound loss and a breach in the covenant relationship. Historically, this reflects the Babylonian conquest, where foreign powers took control of the land of Judah, fulfilling prophecies of judgment due to Israel's disobedience (
Deuteronomy 28:49-52). Theologically, it underscores the consequences of sin and the loss of divine favor, echoing the warnings given by prophets like Jeremiah (
Jeremiah 25:8-11).
Our houses to foreigners
The mention of "houses" being given to "foreigners" highlights the personal and communal devastation experienced by the Israelites. Houses represent stability, family heritage, and personal security. The loss of homes to foreigners indicates not only physical displacement but also a deep sense of shame and helplessness. This situation is reminiscent of the curses outlined inDeuteronomy 28:30, where disobedience leads to others inhabiting the homes built by the Israelites. It also reflects the broader theme of exile, a recurring motif in the Bible where God's people are removed from their land due to unfaithfulness, yet with a promise of eventual restoration (Jeremiah 29:10-14). In a typological sense, this loss and longing for restoration can be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate redemption and restoration found in Jesus Christ, who provides a spiritual inheritance and eternal home for believers (Ephesians 1:11-14).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jeremiah- Traditionally considered the author of Lamentations, Jeremiah was a prophet who witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem and the subsequent exile of the Jewish people.
2.
Jerusalem- The city that was besieged and destroyed by the Babylonians, leading to the lament expressed in this verse.
3.
Babylonians- The foreign power that conquered Jerusalem, leading to the Jewish people's loss of their land and homes.
4.
Israelites- The people of God who are lamenting the loss of their inheritance and homes due to their disobedience and subsequent exile.
5.
Inheritance- Refers to the land and blessings promised to the Israelites by God, which have now been taken by foreign powers.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of DisobedienceThe Israelites' loss of inheritance serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments. It is crucial to remain faithful and obedient to God's Word.
The Pain of LossThe lament over lost inheritance and homes reflects the deep pain and sorrow that comes with losing what is precious. It encourages believers to empathize with those who suffer loss and to seek God's comfort.
God's Sovereignty in JudgmentEven in judgment, God remains sovereign. The exile was a fulfillment of His warnings, demonstrating that His words are true and trustworthy.
Hope in RestorationWhile Lamentations is a book of sorrow, it also points to the hope of restoration. Believers can trust that God is able to restore what has been lost when they return to Him.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Lamentations 5:2?
2.How does Lamentations 5:2 reflect consequences of turning away from God?
3.What lessons can we learn about stewardship from "our inheritance has been turned"?
4.How can we apply Lamentations 5:2 to modern-day family responsibilities?
5.What other scriptures discuss losing inheritance due to disobedience?
6.How can we ensure our spiritual inheritance remains intact for future generations?
7.How does Lamentations 5:2 reflect the historical context of the Babylonian exile?
8.What theological implications arise from the loss of inheritance in Lamentations 5:2?
9.How does Lamentations 5:2 challenge the belief in God's protection over His people?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Lamentations 5?
11.Lamentations 5:2 depicts a Jerusalem left desolate—do archaeological findings fully align with the extent of destruction described?
12.Psalm 15:5 forbids charging interest; how does this align with other Old Testament passages that allow interest to foreigners (e.g., Deuteronomy 23:20)?
13.Lamentations 2:5 - In what sense can God become an 'enemy' to those He once favored, and does this contradict other biblical portrayals of His unchanging nature?
14.Who was King Jehoahaz in biblical history?What Does Lamentations 5:2 Mean
Our inheritance has been turned over to strangers– The people of Judah are grieving the loss of the land God promised their forefathers (Genesis 15:18;Joshua 1:3).
– “Inheritance” points to covenant blessings that once defined their identity (Numbers 26:52-55).
– Now “strangers” possess it, fulfilling warnings such asDeuteronomy 28:33: “A people you do not know will consume the produce of your land.”
– This transfer signals broken fellowship with God; exile is not random calamity but divine discipline (2 Kings 25:8-12;Jeremiah 17:4).
– The sorrow is deep because the land was tied to worship—without it, temple worship and community life unravel (Psalm 79:1;Ezekiel 33:24-29).
our houses to foreigners– Homes represent safety, heritage, and daily life. Losing them means the dismantling of family legacy (Deuteronomy 28:30).
– Foreign occupation exposes helplessness; the people watch others live in what they built (Micah 2:2).
– The verse echoes the prophetic imagery of vineyards and homes seized by outsiders as consequence for persistent sin (Isaiah 5:8-10).
– Yet God’s heart remains for restoration; later He promises, “Houses will be rebuilt and inhabited” (Isaiah 65:21;Ezra 6:14).
– Lament becomes a doorway to repentance, stirring hope that God can reverse loss (Jeremiah 29:10-14).
summaryLamentations 5:2 voices the crushing reality that Judah’s covenant land and homes now belong to others. The loss proves God’s warnings true, underscores the seriousness of sin, and invites humble return to Him who alone can restore both inheritance and household.
(2)
Turned.--Used here as in the sense of
transferred.Houses.--In Jer. Iii. 13, the Chaldaeans are said to have burnt the houses of Jerusalem, and those of the great men elsewhere; here, therefore, the "houses" spoken of are those of the farmers and peasants in the country.
Verse 2. -
Our inheritance. The land had been "given" to Abraham (Genesis 13:25; 17:8), and was consequently inherited by Abraham's posterity.
Our houses. Not as it the Chaldeans had actually taken up their abode in some of the houses of Jerusalem. The expressions are forcible, but inexact. The land was seized; the houses were destroyed (
Jeremiah 52:13).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Our inheritanceנַחֲלָתֵ֙נוּ֙(na·ḥă·lā·ṯê·nū)Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common plural
Strong's 5159:Something inherited, occupancy, an heirloom, an estate, patrimony, portionhas been turned overנֶֽהֶפְכָ֣ה(ne·hep̄·ḵāh)Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 2015:To turn about, over, to change, overturn, return, pervertto strangers,לְזָרִ֔ים(lə·zā·rîm)Preposition-l | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 2114:To turn aside, to be a, foreigner, strange, profane, to commit adulteryour housesבָּתֵּ֖ינוּ(bāt·tê·nū)Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 1004:A houseto foreigners.לְנָכְרִֽים׃(lə·nā·ḵə·rîm)Preposition-l | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 5237:Foreign, alien
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OT Prophets: Lamentations 5:2 Our inheritance is turned to strangers Our (Lam. La Lm) 
