Day 244

Weeping over Jerusalem

Read: Lamentations 1-2

The book of Lamentations consists of five poems which are traditionally attributed to Jeremiah after the fall of Jerusalem. Four of the poems are acrostics, that is, they have sections starting with the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet consecutively.

Great sorrow is expressed at the condition of Jerusalem, although it is recognized that this is the fault of the inhabitants. In part of the poetry, Jerusalem herself is speaking. While the words “Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by?” (1:12) refers to the city, one cannot help but think that such must have been the thoughts of Jesus as he was being crucified. One tradition states that Jeremiah wrote while sitting at the foot of the hill that later became Calvary.

Although the actual destruction was carried out by Babylonian soldiers, the second poem pictures this as the action of God carried out because of his anger at the sin of Jerusalem. The question is asked of Jerusalem, “Who can restore you?” (2:13). The answer given elsewhere by the prophets is that God will restore Jerusalem after the punishment of the 70 years of exile. But during this period repentance will come, so that the people of Jerusalem are urged to “Pour out your heart like water before the presence of the Lord!” (v. 19). Let us with a similar spirit pray for the church, that God will bring revival.

PRAYER
Father, we weep as we see error and complacency in your church. Restore her to vibrant faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.