Like a doctor, Lamentations' author seeks to know the cause of death. He has no final doubt: though the Babylonians did the work, ultimately God was responsible. But could God willingly create such misery? The author seems stunned that God has actually destroyed his own people, though he admits they richly deserved the punishment. "The Lord is like an enemy," he cries in astonishment (2:5). "Even when I call out or cry for help, he shuts out my prayer" (3:8). "He dragged me from the path and mangled me and left me without help" (3:11). "He has broken my teeth with gravel" (3:16).
But, though astonished and grief-stricken, the author never doubts God's justice. Jerusalem's destruction came as a result of sin (1:5). This fact prompts quiet hope, based on the character of God. "Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men" (3:32-33). When sin is elminated the Lord acts quickly to forgive and heal.
Looking for Recovery
Though the grief of Lamentations is as deep and heavy as any ever written, hope lies at the bottom. The author does not say "Cheer up!" to himself or anyone else. He mourns passionately and fully. But in mourning he looks to recovery. Lamentations ends with a prayer to God, asking him to restore his people, "unless you have utterly rejected us and are angry with us beyond measure" (5:22). Behind that "unless" lies confidence. God can never be angry without limits.
The author of Lamentations doesn't soften his words to God, for fear of offending him. He expresses the full and dreadful horror of what he has seen, and he gives God full responsibility. But, remembering that the Lord is a loving God, he counts on God to heal Israel's wounds. This time of mourning will be followed by another time, a time to dance. |
