It is described as something given completely and in full measure. God gave it out until it completed its purpose and effects. In this description the outpouring of God’s wrath is compared to the pouring out of fire. Like a fire is kindled and then given full vent to burn fiercely, so God’s vengeance has unleashed itself. This imagery continues by describing it as the outpouring of his hot anger.
This description echoes words that have been used earlier (see Lamentations 2:4,Lamentations 2:11, Lamentations 2:19, Lamentations 2:22; Lamentations 3:43, Lamentations 3:66) and refers to the day of the Lord. It refers to an earlier promise that fire will consume many places, including Judah, under God’s wrath. Amos 1:3–2:5 promises that God would send fire. This is also linked with God’s warning to Solomon at the inauguration of the temple (1 Kings 9:1–9) that persistent sin will lead to its destruction.1 It should also be noted that God’s wrath was not merely compared to fire, but that fire was literally experienced in the invasion and destruction of Jerusalem.2
10 Les femmes, malgré leur tendresse, Font cuire leurs enfants; Ils leur servent de nourriture, Au milieu du désastre de la fille de mon peuple.