Lamentations 2 - 12.15.25

Scripture: Lamentations 2:13

What can I say for you?

With what can I compare you,

Daughter Jerusalem?

To what can I liken you,

that I may comfort you,

Virgin Daughter Zion?

Your wound is as deep as the sea.

Who can heal you?

Observation

Although the author of the book of Lamentations did not identify themselves, many scholars and theologians believed that it was the Prophet Jeremiah. The author was sharing their grief and sorrow to God. The southern kingdom of Judah was utterly destroyed by the Babylonians, and its capital Jerusalem was sieged. The kings and their royal families were stripped of their power and prestige. The Levitical priests were robbed of their authority and their duties for the nation’s sacrifices and atonement. The soldiers of Judah were defeated, and the rest of the population were under the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. If they were not killed by the sword or by famine, they were taken into captivity and driven away from their home except for a small remnant of the poor to remain in a completely destroyed Jerusalem. Worst of all, the presence of God departed and the temple was destroyed.  In chapter 2 of Lamentations, the author describes the horrific events that took place in Jerusalem and what the people had to endure. The destruction of Jerusalem was due to the sins of the nation. The judgment of Jerusalem could be compared to the judgment of the previous nations that inhabited the land of Canaan. God’s promise to Abraham was also judgment for the Canaanites due to their sin. The Israelites were given time after time to repent of their sins, and now they were facing the wrath of God. During this time, it may have appeared that all hope was lost and forsaken, but God is always faithful to His promises. God was not going to allow His people to be destroyed completely. Hebrews 12:6 says that “the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Chapter 2 is a grim passage of scripture, but God can work and redeem His people through the toughest times.

Application

Everyone will face difficult times throughout life, whether it be from disobedience to God’s commandments, the evil of others, or just life in general. Regardless of the situation, we as believers know that we can turn to God and cry out to Him during our trials. We must remember that we serve a faithful God who loves us and will keep His promises. The Lord promised us eternal life through His Son Jesus Christ which brings us hope, peace, love and joy. Living a disobedient life of sin, that is without Christ, will lead one to captivity and destruction. 

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I thank You for Your Word. In 2 Timothy 3:16 the Apostle Paul tells Timothy that all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. I thank You for giving us countless examples of how to live a life that is pleasing to You. Holy Spirit, help me to remember Your words, and listen to those You have placed in my life to warn me about the punishments that come to those who disobey You. Lastly, guide me to also be a voice to warn others about living a life that is apart from You. Life without You will lead to sorrows and destruction, but I thank You for being a merciful God, full of love and compassion.

- Darrence Hamilton