Why did Lamentation 1 v17 equate Jerusalem with a Menstruous Woman?

Quick reference; 1:17 Zion spreadeth forth her hands, and there is none to comfort her: the LORD hath commanded concerning Jacob, that his adversaries should be round about him: Jerusalem is as a menstruous woman among them.

Answer

One menstual woman among the Arabs is not a good thing. Also, menstual women tend to cause a lot of fuss as Moses found out.

Answer

According to the Jewish ceremonial law a menstruous woman was unclean for a seven day (Leviticus 15:19) period of time. The likening of Jerusalem to such was a metaphor for their uncleanness before God which remained uncleansed as they refused to heed the warnings of God's prophets, particularly Jeremiah.

There may be an allusion understood by the Jews to the fact of particular sins committed by King Manasseh which the Lord specifically said He would not pardon. 2Kings 24:2-4 refers to the shedding of innocent blood by Manasseh, referring to his idolatry in which he ceremonially slaughtered his own son by sacrificing him to the idol Molech, in Jerusalem. Obviously there is a connection between menstruation and child-bearing. The precious and innocent fruit of the womb being killed made Israel unclean.

First answer by Itchie.c2. Last edit by PeteNco. Contributor trust: 303 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 17 [recommend question]