Lamentations 4
-The completion of God’s anger
towards His rebellious house is ghastly portrayed in this fourth chapter. The
scene of destruction almost overwhelms us when we consider the suffering of
little ones with no food to eat and mothers who have become cannibals (Lamentations
4:4, 10). Their sin is called “greater than the sin of Sodom, which was
overthrown as in a moment (Lamentations 4:6).” What was and what has become is
the topic of discussion as the chapter elaborates on the scene of God’s
suffering people. Pure white snow-like individuals are now “blacker than soot”
with shriveled skin on their bones. They have withered like wood and are slain
with hunger. The slaying sword is said to have been a better plight. “The LORD
has accomplished His wrath, He has poured out His fierce anger; and He has
kindled a fire in Zion which has consumed its foundations (Lamentations
4:7-11).” This overtaking seemed unbelievable even to the kings of the earth,
but the gates of Jerusalem were entered and all was taken by force (Lamentations
4:12). Why did the unthinkable happen? Because of the sins of Israel’s prophets
and the iniquities of her priests. They shed the blood of the righteous with
wicked violence themselves. They wandered, blind, in the streets; they were
defiled with blood so that no one could touch their garments (Lamentations
4:13-14). As priests and prophets of Israel they should have been the most
consecrated and holy, but they did much evil and were defiled before the LORD
despite their ritualistic show. Their example greatly led their people astray
in God’s country. This lead to the downfall of the nation and the capture of
Jerusalem, the once proud and blessed city. Now they were to be scattered among
the nations and not even received there, far from the presence of the LORD.
They trusted in that which could not save. Their end drew near, their days were
finished, their end had come, their pursuers were swifter than the eagles of
the sky, and they were chased on the mountains and in the wilderness. They were
captured in their pits trusting in a king, King Zedekiah, who neglected the
true prophecy of Jeremiah but listened to the false oracles of evil men
(Lamentations 4:15-20).
-Edom is lambasted in the final
two verses of this text. They get sarcastic derision and predictions of coming
judgment from the true prophet as they have deserved because of their own
iniquity and sin, which has made them drunk and naked. They had conspired with
Nebuchadnezzar to overtake Judah in supreme treachery. God was certainly not pleased
with Edom. Meanwhile, God’s just punishment of Zion is now completed according
to the genuine prophetic word, and they are promised a return from their exile
(Lamentation 4:21-22).
-*Application* We should be
careful to heed historical lessons as to following after false gods and idols
in times of prosperity. While things seem to be going fine, in an instant God
can sweep in with His judgment upon those who are self-righteous and have no
need for Him in their own pride and arrogance. Again, we see that the effects
are devastating upon all involved. Stay tuned in to the LORD and His mercies
with humble reverence. Also, notice that leadership in a nation is key. Israel
fell because of corrupt governance in kings, priests, and prophets. In our
democratic-republic of the United States, we have the right and privilege to
elect our leadership. So we the people will either bear the brunt of our own
bad or uninformed decisions, or reap the reward for electing to office Godly
individuals to run our nation. The onus really is on us.
Verses to Memorize: Lamentations 4:11, 13
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