Lamentations 5
BSB1 Remember, O LORD, what has happened to us. Look and see our disgrace! 2 Our inheritance has been turned over to strangers, our houses to foreigners. 3 We have become fatherless orphans; our mothers are widows. 4 We must buy the water we drink; our wood comes at a price. 5 We are closely pursued; we are weary and find no rest. 6 We submitted to Egypt and Assyria to get enough bread. 7 Our fathers sinned and are no more, but we bear their punishment. 8 Slaves rule over us; there is no one to deliver us from their hands. 9 We get our bread at the risk of our lives because of the sword in the wilderness. 10 Our skin is as hot as an oven with fever from our hunger. 11 Women have been ravished in Zion, virgins in the cities of Judah. 12 Princes have been hung up by their hands; elders receive no respect. 13 Young men toil at millstones; boys stagger under loads of wood. 14 The elders have left the city gate; the young men have stopped their music. 15 Joy has left our hearts; our dancing has turned to mourning. 16 The crown has fallen from our head. Woe to us, for we have sinned! 17 Because of this, our hearts are faint; because of these, our eyes grow dim— 18 because of Mount Zion, which lies desolate, patrolled by foxes. 19 You, O LORD, reign forever; Your throne endures from generation to generation. 20 Why have You forgotten us forever? Why have You forsaken us for so long? 21 Restore us to Yourself, O LORD, so we may return; renew our days as of old, 22 unless You have utterly rejected us and remain angry with us beyond measure.
Study Notes — Lamentations 5
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Lamentations 5
- Themes from Lamentations 5
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Lamentations 5
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with a plea to God to remember the affliction of His people, who have been plundered and oppressed by their enemies (Lamentations 5:1). The people acknowledge their sin and the sin of their fathers, recognizing that their suffering is a result of God's judgment (Lamentations 5:7, 16). The chapter also describes the harsh conditions faced by the people, including slavery, famine, and violence (Lamentations 5:2-14). Despite their suffering, the people express their hope in God's faithfulness and their desire for restoration (Lamentations 5:19-22).
Context for the Chapter
Lamentations chapter 5 is part of a larger book of lamentations, which was written by the prophet Jeremiah in response to the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. The chapter is a heartfelt cry to God, lamenting the consequences of sin and the destruction of the city. It serves as a reminder of the severity of God's judgment and the importance of repentance, and it points to the need for a Savior who can deliver God's people from their sin and its consequences.
Heart Application
As we reflect on Lamentations chapter 5, we are reminded of the importance of repentance and the need to trust in God's faithfulness. We are encouraged to examine our own lives, acknowledging our sin and turning to God for forgiveness and restoration. We are also reminded of the ultimate restoration offered through Christ, who bore the punishment for our sin and offers eternal life to all who trust in Him.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Lamentations chapter 5 is a sad and serious chapter that talks about the consequences of sin and the importance of repentance. The people of Jerusalem were suffering because of their sin, and they were crying out to God for help (Lamentations 5:1). The chapter reminds us that God is faithful and sovereign, and that He is always in control, even in the midst of suffering (Lamentations 5:19).
Voices from the Church
“The greatest judgment that God can inflict upon a man is to leave him to his own devices, to let him have his own way, and to suffer him to follow his own inclinations.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The Lord has given us a striking example of His judgment in the destruction of Jerusalem, that we may learn to fear His wrath and to trust in His mercy.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction: A Plea for Rememberance (Lamentations 5:1) — The chapter begins with a plea to God to remember the affliction of His people.
- The People's Suffering (Lamentations 5:2-14) — The chapter vividly describes the harsh conditions faced by the people, including slavery, famine, and violence.
- Acknowledging Sin and Seeking Restoration (Lamentations 5:15-18) — The people acknowledge their sin and the sin of their fathers, recognizing that their suffering is a result of God's judgment.
- Expressing Hope in God's Faithfulness (Lamentations 5:19-22) — Despite their suffering, the people express their hope in God's faithfulness and their desire for restoration.
- Conclusion: A Prayer for Restoration (Lamentations 5:21) — The chapter concludes with a prayer for restoration, emphasizing the people's desire to be redeemed and restored to their former state.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and control over all things, even in the midst of suffering and judgment.
- The Importance of Repentance
- The chapter highlights the importance of repentance, acknowledging sin and turning to God for forgiveness and restoration.
- The Faithfulness of God
- The chapter reminds us of God's faithfulness and loyalty to His people, even in the midst of suffering and judgment.
- The Ultimate Restoration
- The chapter points to the ultimate restoration offered through Christ, who bore the punishment for our sin and offers eternal life to all who trust in Him.
Lessons from Lamentations 5
- The Importance of Repentance — The chapter highlights the importance of repentance, acknowledging sin and turning to God for forgiveness and restoration.
- The Faithfulness of God — The chapter reminds us of God's faithfulness and loyalty to His people, even in the midst of suffering and judgment.
- The Ultimate Restoration — The chapter points to the ultimate restoration offered through Christ, who bore the punishment for our sin and offers eternal life to all who trust in Him.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and control over all things, even in the midst of suffering and judgment.
- The Importance of Trusting in God — The chapter encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness and sovereignty, even in the midst of uncertainty and suffering.
Themes from Lamentations 5
- The Consequences of Sin — The chapter vividly describes the harsh conditions faced by the people, including slavery, famine, and violence, as a result of their sin.
- The Importance of Repentance — The chapter highlights the importance of repentance, acknowledging sin and turning to God for forgiveness and restoration.
- The Faithfulness of God — The chapter reminds us of God's faithfulness and loyalty to His people, even in the midst of suffering and judgment.
- The Ultimate Restoration — The chapter points to the ultimate restoration offered through Christ, who bore the punishment for our sin and offers eternal life to all who trust in Him.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and control over all things, even in the midst of suffering and judgment.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways in which we can apply the lessons of Lamentations chapter 5 to our own lives, acknowledging our sin and turning to God for forgiveness and restoration?
- How does the chapter's emphasis on God's faithfulness and sovereignty encourage us to trust in Him, even in the midst of suffering and uncertainty?
- What are some ways in which we can express our hope in God's faithfulness, like the people in Lamentations chapter 5?
- How does the chapter's conclusion, with a prayer for restoration, remind us of the importance of seeking God's redemption and restoration in our own lives?
- What are some ways in which we can balance the chapter's emphasis on God's judgment with the importance of repentance and forgiveness?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction: A Plea for Rememberance (Lamentations 5:1)
| 5:1 | The chapter begins with a plea to God to remember the affliction of His people, who have been plundered and oppressed by their enemies. |
2. The People's Suffering (Lamentations 5:2-14)
| 5:2 | The people's inheritance has been turned over to strangers, and they have become slaves in their own land. |
| 5:3 | The people have been left fatherless, and their mothers are widows. |
| 5:4 | The people have been forced to pay for water and wood, and they have been oppressed by their enemies. |
| 5:5 | The people's necks are bent, and they are weary, with no rest for their souls. |
| 5:6 | The people have been forced to extend their hands to their enemies, and they have been oppressed by their foes. |
| 5:7 | The people's fathers sinned, and they are no more, but the people bear the punishment for their iniquity. |
| 5:8 | Slaves rule over the people, and there is no one to deliver them from their enemies. |
| 5:9 | The people get their bread at the risk of their lives, because of the sword in the wilderness. |
| 5:10 | The people's skin is hot as an oven, because of the fever of famine. |
| 5:11 | The people's women have been ravished in Zion, and the people's virgins in the cities of Judah. |
| 5:12 | The people's princes have been hung up by their hands, and the people's elders have been dishonored. |
| 5:13 | The people's young men have been forced to grind at the mill, and the people's boys have stumbled under the wood. |
| 5:14 | The people's elders have ceased from the city gate, and the people's young men have ceased from their music. |
3. Acknowledging Sin and Seeking Restoration (Lamentations 5:15-18)
| 5:15 | The people's joy is gone, and their hearts are sad, because of the destruction of the temple. |
| 5:16 | The people's crown has fallen from their head, and they are no longer glorious. |
| 5:17 | The people's hearts are sick, and their eyes are dim, because of the destruction of the city. |
| 5:18 | The people's mountain of Zion is desolate, and the people's foxes prowl upon it. |
4. Expressing Hope in God's Faithfulness (Lamentations 5:19-22)
| 5:19 | You, O Lord, reign forever; your throne endures from generation to generation. |
| 5:20 | Why do you forget us forever, and forsake us for so long a time? |
| 5:21 | Turn us back to you, O Lord, and we will be turned; renew our days as of old. |
| 5:22 | Unless you have utterly rejected us, and are angry with us beyond measure. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Lamentations chapter 5?
The main theme of Lamentations chapter 5 is the consequences of sin and the importance of repentance, as well as the faithfulness of God and the hope of restoration.
How does the chapter describe the people's suffering?
The chapter vividly describes the harsh conditions faced by the people, including slavery, famine, and violence, as a result of their sin (Lamentations 5:2-14).
What is the significance of Lamentations 5:19?
Lamentations 5:19 is a key verse that reminds us of God's eternal sovereignty and faithfulness, even in the midst of judgment and suffering.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lamentations 5:1 → Psalm 74:1-3 | Both passages express a plea to God to remember the affliction of His people and to deliver them from their enemies. |
| 2 | Lamentations 5:2 → Leviticus 26:32-33 | Both passages describe the consequences of sin, including the loss of inheritance and the oppression of enemies. |
| 3 | Lamentations 5:7 → Exodus 34:6-7 | Both passages emphasize the importance of acknowledging sin and seeking forgiveness, as well as the faithfulness of God to forgive and restore His people. |
| 4 | Lamentations 5:15 → Psalm 137:1-3 | Both passages express sorrow and longing for the destruction of the temple and the city of Jerusalem. |
| 5 | Lamentations 5:19 → Psalm 102:12 | Both passages remind us of God's eternal sovereignty and faithfulness, even in the midst of judgment and suffering. |
| 6 | Lamentations 5:20 → Psalm 13:1-2 | Both passages express a sense of abandonment and forsakenness, and a plea to God to remember and deliver His people. |
| 7 | Lamentations 5:21 → Jeremiah 31:18 | Both passages express a desire for restoration and renewal, and a plea to God to turn His people back to Himself. |
| 8 | Lamentations 5:22 → Romans 11:1-2 | Both passages emphasize the importance of trusting in God's faithfulness and sovereignty, even in the midst of uncertainty and suffering. |
| 9 | Lamentations 5:1 → Hebrews 12:11 | Both passages remind us of the importance of enduring hardship and trusting in God's faithfulness, even in the midst of suffering and judgment. |
| 10 | Lamentations 5:19 → Revelation 4:8-11 | Both passages emphasize the eternal sovereignty and faithfulness of God, and the importance of worshiping and trusting in Him. |
Sermons on Lamentations 5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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If Revival Doesn't Come by Ronald Glass | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the prophet Habakkuk and his reaction to God's revelation of judgment. Habakkuk expresses his fear and physical distress upon understanding t |
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The Land Is in Ruins, Weep All Ye People! by Brian Long | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the desperate state of the nation during the time of Jeremiah. He emphasizes how Jeremiah's heart was deeply affected by the sins of God's p |
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Jeremiah & Lamentations - Through the Bible by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the life of Jeremiah, a faithful prophet who preached to Judah for over 40 years, trying to save them from their sins and impending judgment. Despite facing |
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The Situation Is Desperate by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of holy desperation and how it is reflected in the book of Lamentations and Micah. He emphasizes the desperate state of the world |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 25 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the evangelist shares a powerful story of reconciliation and forgiveness. A woman in the congregation was prompted by the evangelist to go and make things right wit |
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The Seven Levels of Judgment - Part 2 by Dan Biser | This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing and confessing our sins before the Lord, both individually and collectively as a church and nation. It delves into various Bibl |
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Revival by J. Wesley Adcock | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's word. He points out the hypocrisy of those who claim to desire revival but fail to actively pursue unit |
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(Through the Bible) Jeremiah & Lamentations by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the life of Jeremiah, a faithful prophet who preached to Judah for over 40 years, warning them of their sins and impending judgment. Despite facing rejectio |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 69 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Moses and how he learned to trust and rely on God in the desert. The speaker emphasizes the importance of waiting on God and not |
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Jesus Gives Perfect Peace by Jim Elliot | The preacher, focusing on the Greek word 'anakainizo' meaning 'to restore,' emphasizes the concept of bringing to conversion again and the impossibility of a second repentance acco |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Lamentations 5
In this chapter, we see the lamentable state of the people of God, who have been afflicted and oppressed by their enemies. The chapter begins with a plea to God to remember the affliction of His people, and to deliver them from their enemies. The people acknowledge their sin and the sin of their fathers, and they express their desire for restoration and renewal. The chapter reminds us of the importance of trusting in God's faithfulness and sovereignty, even in the midst of suffering and judgment. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The Lord has given us a striking example of His judgment in the destruction of Jerusalem, that we may learn to fear His wrath and to trust in His mercy.' The chapter concludes with a prayer for restoration, emphasizing the people's desire to be redeemed and restored to their former state. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The People's Suffering
The chapter vividly describes the harsh conditions faced by the people, including slavery, famine, and violence. This serves as a reminder of the severity of God's judgment and the importance of repentance.
The Importance of Repentance
The people acknowledge their sin and the sin of their fathers, recognizing that their suffering is a result of God's judgment. This emphasizes the need for repentance and the importance of turning to God in times of suffering.
God's Faithfulness
Despite the people's suffering, the chapter emphasizes God's faithfulness and sovereignty. This serves as a source of comfort and hope, reminding us that God is always in control and that His plans are always good.