Although the word chastisement
may refer to punishment or transgression, it can be understood as both the sin or moral deficiency as well as its consequence or punishment. As Jerusalem’s sin has been great, she suffered as the consequence a great and terrible punishment.1 The greatness of her sin and punishment is compared to that of Sodom. In comparison it has been greater
than that of Sodom. The problem, however, is to label sin in degrees, because all and every sin is abhorrent to God. Although there are degrees of guilt according to the law (see Amos 3:2; Matthew 5:21; Luke 12:47), the reason for the heavier punishment of Jerusalem must be sought elsewhere. It seems that the destruction of Jerusalem was not executed with any greater degree of competence than was normal for the period.
The following reference points of comparison between Sodom and Jerusalem’s greater sin and suffering should be considered:
Much of the suffering could have been avoided by an earlier surrender as recommended by the prophet, Jeremiah. But the stubbornness of the people that refused to heed the warnings of earlier prophets and repent resulted in this punishment which they had brought upon themselves.2 In comparison, Sodom’s sin and suffering was not prolonged in this way.
Adjacent to this is the notion that the punishment of Sodom took place in a moment and was over quickly, but Jerusalem suffered over a long time with no end in sight.
As the covenant people of God, Israel sunk lower into corruption than Sodom. Again, it is not because of the sin itself, but the conduct of God’s covenant people who sinned against the light given to them, as well as their rebellion against the covenant.3
The last clause of Lamentations 4:6,
No hands were wrung for her,
conveys the fact that the judgment of Sodom came as a surprise from heaven, directly by God’s hand. God’s judgment from heaven allowed no time for prolonged panic and suffering.4 In contrast, Jerusalem’s judgement was executed over time by human instruments sent by God for that purpose.5 When the preceding verses are taken into consideration, a sudden death directly by God’s hand, without human intervention, seemed preferable to a prolonged suffering accompanied by hunger and misery at the hands of hostile human enemies.6
6 Le châtiment de la fille de mon peuple est plus grand Que celui de Sodome, Détruite en un instant, Sans que personne ait porté la main sur elle.