In the second poem, an acrostic like the first, the unprecedented tragedy of Jerusalem’s destruction is explained as resulting from God’s anger let loose against it. The tragedy is depicted; the mournful prayer of the victims is recorded.

2:1–9 · God’s anger unleashed:Once a cloud of glory filled the temple as a sign of God’s favor (1 Kings 8:10). Now God’s displeasure, like a dark cloud, stands over Jerusalem. God’s strength is expressed anthropomorphically by the “right hand” (2:3, 4), his anger by the “hot nose” (NIV “fierce anger,” 2:3). Of the five different words for “anger” here, several have to do with heat and fire; they denote an intense emotional disturbance. God’s anger may be viewed as the expression of his justice, for here is not an impulsive emotional outburst, but a foll…