In this verse the poet continues to address Jerusalem in the second person. Translators will notice that verse 17 is not divided in the same way in all translations. For example, Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation divide it into three parts, but New English Bible and New International Version divide it into two, linking as he ordained … with the clauses before it, and demolished without pity with the last part of the verse. The Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation line divisions reflect the parallel units. The first half-lines of the first and second units are closely parallel in sense, as are the corresponding second half-lines. The third unit makes clear what the first two units refer to.
The LORD has done what he purposed: purposed translates a word meaning “planned, decided, intended.”
Has carried out his threat, which is literally “fulfilled his word,” is parallel in meaning and more definite than the first clause.
As pointed out above, as he ordained long ago is understood by some to be linked with carried out his threat. In other words, “He ordered a long time ago that his threat would be carried out.” If the translator links this last clause with the ones before it, then the following clauses should be joined to each other. On the other hand, it is also possible to retain the clause linkage as in Revised Standard Version, so that the flow of ideas may be rendered, for example, “Just as he decided long ago, he has now demolished Jerusalem without pity.”
The emphasis here is on the fulfillment of predictions made long ago. Just how far back in the past these prophecies were spoken is not indicated. There may be a reference here to the words of such prophets as Amos and Hosea, or possibly to the traditions underlying such passages as Leviticus 26.14-16, 25 and Deuteronomy 28.25. In any event the poet is saying that God made up his mind a long time before, and now he is carrying out his plans. In translation it will often be necessary to present the historical order of the events of planning the destruction and then the destruction itself; for example, “Long ago God decided to destroy Jerusalem; now he has done it.”
He had made the enemy rejoice over you shows how the poet attributes the enemy’s success to God. Over you may require saying “over your defeat,” or more fully, “he has caused the enemy to be glad because you have been defeated,” or “… because you are a destroyed city.”
Exalted the might of your foes is literally “he has raised up the horn of your foes.” For comments on “horn” as a symbol of power and pride, see verse 3. This expression may be translated, for example, “he has increased the strength of your enemies” or “he has made your enemies stronger and stronger.”
Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. A Handbook on Lamentations. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1992. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .