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11/10/02 Most of the verbs are in the present perfect or present, not something past! Lamentations 3 Lam. 3:1-18 The prophet reflects on his The book of Lamentations is a funeral lamentation sufferings. of woeful grief and sorrow over the sinfulness of a Lam. 3:1-3 The mental anguish. nation who would not turn from her sin, through 1) Jeremiah was a first hand witness to the the preaching of the prophet Jeremiah for forty poured out wrath of God bringing about years. affliction and poverty at the utter destruction. Vs. 1 Five poems, “dirges or elegies” of mourning. * It was not a mere observation but a 1. In chapter one you have the prophet proclaiming participation of personal suffering by the plundered city. Yahweh’s chastening rod! 2. In chapter two you have the prophet proclaiming 2) Jeremiah was led by Yahweh through the the wrath of God on the city. constant dark days of Judah, void of 3. In chapter three you have the prophet spiritual and moral light. Vs. 2 proclaiming his pain over the city. * He was in the court of the prison when the city was taken and Nebuzardan’s The prophet is the speaker on behalf of his own officers came to release him! Jer lamentation over the city and nation! Lam. 3:1-66 39:11-14 3) Jeremiah felt the effects of Yahweh’s The expression of Jeremiah are not accusations chastening hand against him at times against God but simply that the prophet attributes throughout the day. Vs. 3 his sufferings by the hand of Yahweh as he * Perhaps when he was beaten! identifies with the people and Jerusalem, while at the same time being separate from the people. Lam. 3;4-6 The physical wearing. 1) Jeremiah says Yahweh had aged him The poem is set up in triplets using the acrostic beyond his years in inner strength and form of the Hebrew alphabet, rather than one verse outer appearance. Vs. 4 as chapters 1, 2 & 4. * The lack of food and being only on bread and water for the last eighteen 3 4

months couldn’t of been too good of 3) Jeremiah had been impeded in his way his health, protein and calcium and thwarted in his purposes. Vs. 9 depletion and affecting his skin. Ps. * Either to stop the prophet or redirect 51:8, Is. 38:13 him! 2) Jeremiah says that God had placed him in this environment of hardship that resulted Lam. 3:10-12 The emotional stress. in bitterness and woes as His instrument. 1) Jeremiah saw Yahweh as a bear and a Vs. 5 lion against him, patiently waiting to leap * The violence and horrors of the siege on it’s prey. Vs. 10 on the city as people were in 2) Jeremiah says Yahweh intercepted him desperation! and tore him in pieces and made him 3) Jeremiah said God had set him in desolate like the city, in his emotions. darkness as one like the dead, real Vs. 11 hardship. Vs. 6 3) Jeremiah saw Yahweh as an archer a) Possibly when Yahweh hid Him and aiming and striking him as a helpless Baruch from Jehoiakim. Jer. 36:26 target Vs. 12 b) Or when he was in the cistern. Jer. 38:6-9 Lam. 3:13-15 The societal mockery. 1) Jeremiah saw the arrows of Yahweh Lam. 3:7-9 The personal frustration. pierce his loins. Vs. 13 1) Jeremiah said Yahweh had put a wall a) He was persecuted by his own family. around him, placing a heavy chain on b) He was prohibited to marry and have him, he could not escape. Vs. 7 any children? * Could very well be describing his 2) Jeremiah as a result had become the prison experience again, for he was in ridicule of all Judah, addressing him all prison at different times. Jer. 20:1-6, the day. Vs. 14 29:26f, 37:16-21, 38:6, 40:1! 3) Jeremiah’s call by Yahweh to observe the 2) Jeremiah’s cry had been ignored by God death of his nation had filled him with and He had closed His ears to his bitterness and to drink wormwood, prayers. Vs. 8 bitterness. Vs. 15

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Lam. 3:16-18 The public humiliation. b) The intense conflict was over the 1) Jeremiah saw Yahweh as bringing this contrast of Jerusalem’s condition pain as one with broken teeth and self before and after. abasement to his life, as one covered c) “Soul” is paralleled by “sink” and with ashes. Vs. 16 remember by “within me” 2) Jeremiah said Yahweh deprived him of 3) Jeremiah was struck with a glimmer of peace and unacquainted with prosperity hope as his mind thought on God and through this shared suffering. Vs. 17 what Jerusalem used to be. Vs. 21 3) Jeremiah told Yahweh he ha given up and a) This I recall to my mind, Therefore I in despair , “My strength and my hope have hope. Have perished from the LORD.” Vs. 18 b) Certainly this encompassed the promises of Yahweh to Jeremiah for Lam. 3:19-39 The prophet hopes in restoration, this being the high point Yahweh. of the lamentation!

Lam. 3:19-21 Jeremiah reaches out to God in Lam. 3:22-24 Jeremiah remembers the his discouraged condition. character and covenant of God. 1) Jeremiah called out to Yahweh out of his 1) Jeremiah understood that Judah had deep despair and brokenness. Vs. 19 received less than she deserved in a) Remember my affliction and roaming, judgment. Vs. 22 indicative of his overwhelmed state a) Jeremiah knew that it was through the walking around the ruble shocked. Vs. LORD’S mercies we are not 19a consumed. Vs. 22a b) The wormwood and the gall, * The word “hesed” for mercy is a describing the sadness. Vs. 19b covenant word, steadfast love and 2) Jeremiah was grieved with inner turmoil loyalty is the idea. about Jerusalem. Vs. 20 b) Jeremiah Because His compassions a) My soul still remembers And sinks fail not. Vs. 22b within me. 1)) Compassion “racham” is derived from the word for womb, they were Yahweh’s people, as the One 7 8

who gave them life, compassion 1) Jeremiah says Yahweh honors a genuine would be given. heart. Vs. 25 2)) Both words are contiguous or a) The LORD is good to those who wait overlapping as a parallel, for Him, That He might speak and emphasizing Yahweh’s love! reveal Himself to them. Vs. 25a 2) Jeremiah recognized the faithfulness of * Yahweh is good in the sense of unto Yahweh’s judgment in view of perfection, doing what is most restoration. Vs. 23 excellent! a) Yahweh’s mercies are new every b) The Lord is good to the soul who morning. Vs. 23a seeks Him, those who desire to tap b) Yahweh could be counted on for His into His will and purposes. Vs. 25b promises, “Great is Your 2) Jeremiah says it is an excellent benefit for faithfulness”, He is trustworthy. Vs. one to seek salvation or deliverance. Vs. 23b 26 * The prophet Jeremiah had his eyes a) Deliverance was individual, “It is on Yahweh, rather than the good that one should hope and wait circumstances! quietly”. 3) Jeremiah was completely committed. Vs. b) Deliverance was from Yahweh, “For 24 the salvation of the LORD”. a) Yahweh was his inheritance, “The 3) Jeremiah says it is most excellent and LORD is my portion”. Vs. 24a beneficial for a young man to deal with b) Yahweh was Jeremiah’s Master, the difficulties of life. Vs. 27 submitting his intellect, emotions and a) The yoke speaks of what has been will, “says my soul”. Vs. 24b laid upon him, his portion in life c) Yahweh was Jeremiah’s hope for through the strength of Yahweh, be it strength and guidance for the future, what it may. “Therefore I hope in Him!” Vs. 24c b) Submitting to God’s will and purposes as a humble servant of the cross Lam. 3:25-27 Jeremiah reminds all of the which will serve as the tasks and good in seeking God. difficulties of old age. 9 10

c) Today many young people have no 1)) David did so regarding Shemei discipline or know anything about and Absalom. enduing hardship, resulting in 2)) This verse is quoted in the New character! Testament regarding Jesus. Is. Lam. 3:28-30 Jeremiah recites the 50:6, Matt. 5:39,1Pet. 2:23 responsibility of man regarding his lot in the b) And be full of reproach signifying life of salvation. shame, scorn and disgrace. Vs. 30b 1) Jeremiah says he is to except Yahweh’s * The progression of these three wisdom. Vs. 28 verses can not be missed, from a) Let him sit alone and keep silent, excepting the will of Yahweh, to implying submissive obedience being persecuted for it! without complaining, be it a test or temptation. Vs. 28a Lam. 3:31-36 Jeremiah re-establishes the b) Because God has laid it on him, faithful and just ways of God. implying the embracing of the will of 1) Jeremiah says that Yahweh will act in His God. Vs. 28b time, “For the Lord will not cast off * Deny yourself, pick up your cross forever”. Vs. 31 and follow Me! Mk. 8:34 a) He has a plan. 2) Jeremiah says he is to humble himself and b) He has a purpose. look to God. Vs. 29 c) He knows the difficult times are a) Let him put his mouth in the dust, the temporary and necessary. 1Pet. 1:4-7? picture of humiliation, abasement and 2) Jeremiah says that Yahweh is trustworthy worship. Vs. 29a in trials. Vs. 32 b) There may yet be hope, trusting a) Though He causes grief, meaning Yahweh’s sovereignty wisdom. Vs. what He allows, permits or brings, be 29b it for testing or chastening. Vs. 32a 3) Jeremiah says he is to entrust himself to b) Yet He will show compassion God in his sufferings. Vs. 30 According to the multitude of His a) Let him give his cheek to the one who mercies, in view of His loving- strikes him, signifying persecution kindness. Vs. 32b and abuse. Vs. 30a 11 12

* Paul tells the Corinthians, 1Cor. of the Most High That woe and well- 10:13 being proceed?” Vs. 38 3) Jeremiah says Yahweh does not inflict a) I form the light and create darkness, I pain just to delight in the suffering. Vs. make peace and create calamity; I, the 34 LORD, do all these things. Is. 45:7 a) For He does not afflict willingly, b) Joseph said, “you meant it for evil but unjustly or capriciously. Vs. 34a God meant it for good”. Gen. 50:20 b) Nor grieve the children of men, just to 3) Jeremiah says that men and women are make them squirm. Vs. 33b not to blame or complain to Yahweh for 4) Jeremiah says Yahweh does not deal the consequences of their own sins, unjustly. Vs. 34 “Why should a living man complain, A a) To crush under one’s feet All the man for the punishment of his sins?” Vs. prisoners of the earth, those who are 39 incarcerated. Vs. 34 * In the rebellion of Korah, the people b) To turn aside the justice due a man accused Moses and Araon of Before the face of the Most High, unfairness and injustice, ignoring that those who repent or look to Him. Vs. they had reaped to what they had 35 sown, Yahweh smote 14,700. Num. c) Or subvert a man in his cause--The 16:42-49 Lord does not approve, to falsify or Lam. 3:40-54 The prophet pours out a cry corrupt his rights. Vs. 36 of repentance.

Lam. 3:37-39 Jeremiah re-iterates that God is Lam. 3:40-42 The appeal to repent. in control of everything. 1) Jeremiah says repentance is personal and 1) Jeremiah says that no one can order individually, “Let us search out and anything if Yahweh does not allow it, examine our ways, And turn back to the “Who is he who speaks and it comes to LORD.” Vs. 40 pass, When the Lord has not commanded * Search me, O God, and know my heart; it?” Vs. 37 Try me, and know my anxieties; And 2) Jeremiah says that Yahweh allows good see if [there is any] wicked way in as well as evil, “Is it not from the mouth 13 14

me, And lead me in the way Lam. 3:46-48 The consequences of sin. everlasting. Ps. 139:23-24 1) Jeremiah says they were turned over to 2) Jeremiah says genuine repentance is their enemies, due to their sin, “All our recognized by Yahweh, “Let us lift our enemies Have opened their mouths hearts and hands To God in heaven.” Vs. against us.” Vs. 46 41 a) The protection of Yahweh had been 3) Jeremiah says repentance must lifted, they were on their own! accompany confession of sins, “We have b) The alphabetical acrostic is broken transgressed and rebelled; You have not instead of “ayin” it is “pe” pardoned.” Vs. 42 2) Jeremiah says they were completely overcome, “Fear and a snare have come Lam. 3:43-45 The oppression due to sin. upon us, Desolation and destruction.” Vs. 1) Jeremiah says Yahweh had afflicted them 47 for their sins, “You have covered * Jeremiah used the third person plural, Yourself with anger And pursued us; “us”, he went through the same terror You have slain and not pitied.” Vs. 43 being a man of flesh! * The line had been crossed, their 3) Jeremiah says he was weeping abundantly affliction was incurable, their wound due to the judgment of his people, “My was severe. Jer. 30:12 eyes overflow with rivers of water For 2) Jeremiah says Yahweh had refused to the destruction of the daughter of my hear them due to their sins, “You have people.” Vs. 48 covered Yourself with a cloud, That * Jeremiah is called the weeping prophet, prayer should not pass through.” Vs. 44 not as a mark of weakness but of * They could not be prayed for any loving tenderness towards the people! longer. Jer. 7:16, 11:14, 14:11, Is. 59:1-2 Lam. 3:49-51 The persistency of Jeremiah for 3) Jeremiah says Yahweh had shamed them the people. before all for their sin, “You have made 1) Jeremiah can not stop crying, “My eyes us an off scouring and refuse In the midst flow and do not cease, Without of the peoples.” Vs. 45 interruption” Vs. 49

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2) Jeremiah was not going to cease crying until Yahweh responds, “Till the LORD Lam. 3:55-57 The appeal of the prophet in from heaven Looks down and sees.’ Vs. view of his anguish. 50 1) Jeremiah revered Yahweh, knowing He 3) Jeremiah was deeply hurt and suffering in was dependable, “I called on Your name, his lamentation, “My eyes bring O LORD, From the lowest pit.” Vs. 55 suffering to my soul Because of all the * He was in deep despair and distress so daughters of my city.” Vs. 51 he went to prayer! * Probably over the violence and rape 2) Jeremiah was drawing from the history he that tool place in the horrors of war! had with Yahweh, “You have heard my voice: “Do not hide Your ear From my Lam. 3:52-54 The prophets personal sighing, from my cry for help.” Vs. 56 sufferings. 3) Jeremiah desired a present assurance as in 1) Jeremiah personally was pursued and the past, “You drew near on the day I persecuted, “My enemies without cause called on You, And said, “Do not fear!” Hunted me down like a bird.” Vs. 52 Vs. 57 * Jer. 17:16, 18:18-20 * From his call Yahweh said this. Jer. 1:8 2) Jeremiah personally suffered imprisonment, “They silenced my life in Lam. 3:58-63 The appeal of the prophet in the pit And threw stones at me.” Vs. 53 view of God’s perfect knowledge. * The word for stones is singular and 1) Jeremiah reminded Yahweh of his past could refer to a stone placed at the protection of him, “O Lord, You have mouth of the cistern to prevent him pleaded the case for my soul; You have from escaping. Jer. 38:6 redeemed my life.’ Vs. 58 3) Jeremiah personally almost given up 2) Jeremiah commits the injustices done hope, thinking he was going to die, “The against him to Yahweh, “O LORD, You waters flowed over my head; I said, “I have seen how I am wronged; Judge my am cut off!” Vs. 54 case. Vs. 59 * Vengeance is mine says the Lord. Deut. Lam. 3:55-66 The prophet calls on Yahweh 32:35, Rom. 12:19 for vengeance. 17 18

3) Jeremiah knew Yahweh alone saw their destroy them From under the heavens of motives, “You have seen all their the LORD.” Vs. 66 vengeance, All their schemes against * The implication being they would me.” Vs. 60 never see heaven! 4) Jeremiah knew Yahweh alone heard everything, “You have heard their reproach, O LORD, All their schemes against me.” Vs. 61 5) Jeremiah committed all things Yahweh alone knew all secret things, “The lips of my enemies And their whispering against me all the day.” Vs. 62 6) Jeremiah commended himself to Yahweh regarding their mockery, “Look at their sitting down and their rising up; I am their taunting song.” Vs. 61

Lam. 3:64-66 The appeal of the prophet for vengeance, in view of the wrong done to him. 1) Jeremiah prays that Yahweh punish his enemies in kind, “Repay them, O LORD, According to the work of their hands.” Vs. 64 * This is called an imprecatory prayer, desiring revenge on one’s enemy! 2) Jeremiah prayed that Yahweh reject them, “Give them a veiled heart; Your curse [be] upon them!’ Vs. 65 3) Jeremiah prayed that Yahweh would destroy them, “In Your anger, Pursue and