1 Remember, O LORD, what is come upon us: consider, and behold our reproach.
2 Our inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens.
3 We are orphans and fatherless, our mothers [are] as widows.
4 We have drunken our water for money; our wood is sold unto us.
5 Our necks [are] under persecution: we labour, [and] have no rest.
6 We have given the hand [to] the Egyptians, [and to] the Assyrians, to be satisfied with bread.
7 Our fathers have sinned, [and are] not; and we have borne their iniquities.
8 Servants have ruled over us: [there is] none that doth deliver [us] out of their hand.
9 We gat our bread with [the peril of] our lives because of the sword of the wilderness.
10 Our skin was black like an oven because of the terrible famine.
11 They ravished the women in Zion, [and] the maids in the cities of Judah.
12 Princes are hanged up by their hand: the faces of elders were not honoured.
13 They took the young men to grind, and the children fell under the wood.
14 The elders have ceased from the gate, the young men from their musick.
15 The joy of our heart is ceased; our dance is turned into mourning.
16 The crown is fallen [from] our head: woe unto us, that we have sinned!
17 For this our heart is faint; for these [things] our eyes are dim.
18 Because of the mountain of Zion, which is desolate, the foxes walk upon it.
19 Thou, O LORD, remainest for ever; thy throne from generation to generation.
20 Wherefore dost thou forget us for ever, [and] forsake us so long time?
21 Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old.
22 But thou hast utterly rejected us; thou art very wroth against us.
Overview of Lamentations Chapter 5
Lamentations Chapter 5 serves as a poignant conclusion to the book, encapsulating the suffering and desolation experienced by the people of Jerusalem following the destruction of the city. This chapter is a communal lament, where the collective voice of the people expresses their grief, loss, and a plea for restoration. The chapter is structured as a prayer, reflecting deep sorrow and a yearning for God’s mercy.
Structure and Literary Features
The chapter is composed of 22 verses, which can be understood through several key literary features:
- Acrostic Structure: Unlike the previous chapters, which follow an acrostic pattern, Chapter 5 does not adhere to this format, suggesting a departure from the structured lament to a more spontaneous cry for help.
- Imagery and Symbolism: The chapter is rich in imagery, depicting the harsh realities of life in a devastated city. The use of vivid symbols emphasizes the depth of despair and loss.
- Repetition: The repetition of phrases and themes throughout the chapter underscores the intensity of the emotions being expressed.
Thematic Elements
Several prominent themes emerge in this chapter:
- Collective Suffering: The chapter emphasizes the shared anguish of the community, highlighting the impact of national tragedy on individual lives.
- Divine Abandonment: The lament reflects a feeling of abandonment by God, with the people questioning why God has seemingly turned away from them in their time of need.
- Plea for Restoration: The chapter culminates in a heartfelt plea for God’s mercy and restoration, emphasizing the hope that remains even in despair.
- Memory and Identity: The recollection of past glory and the current state of ruin serve to reinforce the identity of the people as a covenant community, longing for renewal.
Key Verses and Analysis
Several verses stand out in their emotional weight and thematic significance:
- Verse 1: “Remember, O Lord, what has befallen us; look, and see our disgrace.”
- This verse sets the tone for the chapter, establishing a direct appeal to God to acknowledge their suffering.
- Verse 2: “Our inheritance has been turned over to strangers, our homes to foreigners.”
- This highlights the loss of land and identity, a critical aspect of their communal grief.
- Verse 19: “But you, O Lord, reign forever; your throne endures to all generations.”
- This verse contrasts the present suffering with the eternal nature of God’s sovereignty, reflecting a glimmer of hope amidst despair.
- Verse 21: “Restore us to yourself, O Lord, that we may be restored; renew our days as of old.”
- This plea for restoration encapsulates the chapter’s longing for redemption and renewal.
Conclusion
Lamentations Chapter 5 serves as a powerful expression of grief and a heartfelt plea for divine intervention. Through its vivid imagery, thematic depth, and emotional resonance, the chapter encapsulates the collective sorrow of a people in despair while simultaneously expressing hope for restoration. The chapter stands as a testament to the enduring nature of faith, even in the face of profound suffering.
