The Bible verse Lamentations 2:15 in the King James Version reads, "All that pass by clap their hands at thee; they hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, saying, Is this the city that men call The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth?"

Lamentations is a book of the Bible that is often referred to as the "Lamentations of Jeremiah" and is a collection of five lament poems mourning the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BCE. The book is attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, and it expresses deep sorrow and grief over the loss of the city and the temple. The verse Lamentations 2:15 captures the emotional and physical devastation experienced by the people of Jerusalem as they witness the desolation of their once-glorious city.

The context of Lamentations 2:15 is a scene of utter humiliation and disgrace. The imagery of people clapping their hands, hissing, and wagging their heads at the daughter of Jerusalem conveys a sense of mockery and scorn. The city, which was once considered the "perfection of beauty" and "the joy of the whole earth," has now become a spectacle for ridicule and disbelief. The verse reflects the profound sense of betrayal and shame felt by the inhabitants of Jerusalem as they see their beloved city reduced to ruins.

One of the central themes of Lamentations 2:15 is the contrast between the former glory of Jerusalem and its current state of ruin. The city was once renowned for its beauty and significance, but now it has become a symbol of devastation and loss. The verse serves as a poignant reminder of the transience of earthly power and the consequences of disobedience to God. It also highlights the consequences of human sin and the swift and severe judgment that can result from it.

Another theme that emerges from Lamentations 2:15 is the concept of divine judgment. The verse depicts the mocking and ridicule directed at the daughter of Jerusalem as a result of God's judgment upon the city. The destruction and desolation of Jerusalem are seen as the consequence of the people's rebellion and disobedience to God's laws. The verse serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of remaining faithful to His commandments.

Symbolism is also present in Lamentations 2:15, particularly in the use of imagery to convey the sense of shame and degradation experienced by the people of Jerusalem. The act of clapping hands and hissing was a common form of mockery and derision in ancient times, and it serves to emphasize the depth of the city's humiliation. The wagging of heads is also a symbolic expression of scorn and disbelief. These actions serve to illustrate the extent of the city's disgrace and the severity of its downfall.

In conclusion, Lamentations 2:15 in the King James Version of the Bible captures the profound sense of loss and devastation experienced by the people of Jerusalem in the aftermath of the city's destruction. The verse conveys themes of contrast between former glory and current ruin, divine judgment, and the consequences of sin, as well as utilizing powerful symbolism to evoke the emotions of shame and degradation. It serves as a poignant and evocative expression of grief and lamentation, as well as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God.