He hath hedged me about, that I cannot get out: he hath made my chain heavy.
Read it in contextThe Prophet’s Afflictions
Start reading at Lamentations 3:1 (Lamentations 3:1 to Lamentations 3:18).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Individual affliction gives way to remembrance of the LORD's mercies, self-examination, and further appeals for help and justice.
3:1I AM the man that hath seen affliction by the rod of his wrath.
3:2He hath led me, and brought me into darkness, but not into light.
3:3Surely against me is he turned; he turneth his hand against me all the day.
3:4My flesh and my skin hath he made old; he hath broken my bones.
3:5He hath builded against me, and compassed me with gall and travail.
3:6He hath set me in dark places, as they that be dead of old.
3:7He hath hedged me about, that I cannot get out: he hath made my chain heavy.
3:8Also when I cry and shout, he shutteth out my prayer.
3:9He hath inclosed my ways with hewn stone, he hath made my paths crooked.
3:10He was unto me as a bear lying in wait, and as a lion in secret places.
3:11He hath turned aside my ways, and pulled me in pieces: he hath made me desolate.
3:12He hath bent his bow, and set me as a mark for the arrow.
3:13He hath caused the arrows of his quiver to enter into my reins.
3:14I was a derision to all my people; and their song all the day.
3:15He hath filled me with bitterness, he hath made me drunken with wormwood.
3:16He hath also broken my teeth with gravel stones, he hath covered me with ashes.
3:17And thou hast removed my soul far off from peace: I forgat prosperity.
3:18And I said, My strength and my hope is perished from the LORD:
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Jeremiah is the traditional author. The poems themselves do not identify their writer, so the personal attribution remains uncertain. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Lamentations 3:1–3:66): The afflicted speaker recounts suffering, speaks to hearers about hope, and joins the community in addressing the LORD. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The devastated people of Judah and Jerusalem mourning the city's destruction, and the community preserving that lament and appeal to God. Biblical references: Lamentations 1:1; Lamentations 2:10; Lamentations 5:1. book background
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? The Prophet’s Afflictions. Read Lamentations 3:1 through Lamentations 3:18 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Individual affliction gives way to remembrance of the LORD's mercies, self-examination, and further appeals for help and justice. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The poems concern Jerusalem's devastation and its aftermath. They do not supply a composition date or name their author within the text. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? Jerusalem's ruined condition and the people's suffering form the setting, while individual and communal voices describe that distress. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The Prophet’s Afflictions (Lamentations 3:1 to Lamentations 3:18).
Start reading at Lamentations 3:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The lament over Jerusalem can be compared with Jesus' lament for the city. The comparison joins grief and accountability without making every speaker in Lamentations a direct prophetic portrait of Jesus. See Lamentations 1:1, Luke 19:41, Luke 19:44. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Make room for truthful lament, confession, and prayer in devastation. Hope in mercy does not require pretending that suffering is small or that every question has been resolved. interpretation
Cited: Lamentations 3:1, Lamentations 3:18, Lamentations 1:1, Luke 19:41, Luke 19:44
Who wrote it, and how we know
Jeremiah (traditional)From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author. Chronicles records that Jeremiah lamented for Josiah. 2 Chronicles 35:25
Early traditionThe Greek translation and early tradition name Jeremiah.
What is debatedAuthorship is not stated in the book itself.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Lamentations 3
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Lamentations consists of poetic laments over Jerusalem's devastation. The book does not name its author. Shifts between the city's voice, an individual sufferer, and communal prayer must be respected. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Individual affliction gives way to remembrance of the LORD's mercies, self-examination, and further appeals for help and justice.
Connection to the wholeIndividual affliction gives way to remembrance of the LORD's mercies, self-examination, and further appeals for help and justice.
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. Individual affliction gives way to remembrance of the LORD's mercies, self-examination, and further appeals for help and justice.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Lamentations
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Lamentations consists of poetic laments over Jerusalem's devastation. The book does not name its author. Shifts between the city's voice, an individual sufferer, and communal prayer must be respected.
Connection to the wholeIndividual affliction gives way to remembrance of the LORD's mercies, self-examination, and further appeals for help and justice.
Connection to the wholeThe closing communal prayer brings the people's condition before the LORD and asks for restoration without supplying a simple narrative resolution.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.