The Prophet Cried Out in Anguish Over Jerusalem
May 15, 2020
Commentary
This passage contains Jeremiah’s anguished cry as he wept over the destruction of the city he had loved and he calls for the people to cry out to God (vv. 11-19). He vividly portrays five sketches of Jerusalem’s condition which prompted his cry:
Of the starvation that had destroyed Jerusalem during the siege (vv. 11-12). For his liver (heart) to be “poured upon the earth” meant that he was fully drained emotionally.Of a man trying desperately to offer comfort to a grieving friend (v. 13). Unfortunately the magnitude of judgement was so severe that no comfort could be given.Of false prophets hastening rather than hindering Jerusalem’s downfall (v. 14). Jeremiah and Ezekiel were faithful prophets but others were giving predictions of peace and prosperity.Of the enemy mocking the people (vv. 15-17). The once-majestic and secure city of Jerusalem was now the object of scoffing as her enemies rejoiced in their victory.Of the remnant of people wailing to God in despair because of their calamity (vv. 18-19). The phrase “pour out your heart like water” seems to have referred to sincere prayer.A horrific description is given as in desperation children were being eaten by those who bore them (cannibalism), a most reprehensible crime against humanity, was resorted to by the Hebrews only as a last desperate act (v. 20). Priest and prophet alike were massacred in the Temple; young and old lie unburied in the street; virgins, young women and young men are fallen by the sword (vv. 21-22). God had warned Israel what would happen if she disobeyed Him (Lev. 26:14-39 and Deut. 28:15-68).
Application
What is my reaction to moral degradation? I need to be deeply moved, like Jeremiah was, as I see the moral decay surrounding us today. The only answer is a revival which needs to start in my own heart.
Lamentations 2:11– 22 (NET)
11 My eyes are worn out from weeping; my stomach is in knots. My heart is poured out on the ground due to the destruction of my helpless people; children and infants faint in the town squares. ל (Lamed)
12 Children say to their mothers, “Where are food and drink?” They faint like a wounded warrior in the city squares. They die slowly in their mothers’ arms. מ (Mem)
13 With what can I equate you? To what can I compare you, O Daughter Jerusalem? To what can I liken you so that I might comfort you, O Virgin Daughter Zion? Your wound is as deep as the sea. Who can heal you? נ (Nun)
14 Your prophets saw visions for you that were worthless whitewash. They failed to expose your sin so as to restore your fortunes. They saw oracles for you that were worthless lies. ס (Samek)
15 All who passed by on the road clapped their hands to mock you. They sneered and shook their heads at Daughter Jerusalem. “Ha! Is this the city they called ‘the perfection of beauty, the source of joy of the whole earth!’?” פ (Pe)
16 All your enemies gloated over you. They sneered and gnashed their teeth; they said, “We have destroyed her! Ha! We have waited a long time for this day. We have lived to see it!” ע (Ayin)
17 The Lord has done what he planned; he has fulfilled his promise that he threatened long ago: He has overthrown you without mercy and has enabled the enemy to gloat over you; he has exalted your adversaries’ power. צ (Tsade)
18 Cry out from your heart to the Lord, O wall of Daughter Zion! Make your tears flow like a river all day and all night long! Do not rest; do not let your tears stop! ק (Qof)
19 Get up! Cry out in the night when the night watches start! Pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord! Lift up your hands to him for your children’s lives; they are fainting from hunger at every street corner. ר (Resh)
20 Look, O Lord! Consider! Whom have you ever afflicted like this? Should women eat their offspring, their healthy infants? Should priest and prophet be killed in the Lord’s sanctuary? ש (Sin/Shin)
21 The young boys and old men lie dead on the ground in the streets. My young women and my young men have fallen by the sword. You killed them when you were angry; you slaughtered them without mercy. ת (Tav)
22 As if it were a feast day, you call enemies to terrify me on every side. On the day of the Lord’s anger no one escaped or survived. My enemy has finished off those healthy infants whom I bore and raised.
Illustration: John Paton Was Plunged Into Sorrow
In 1858 Scottish missionary John G. Paton and his wife sailed for the New Hebrides. Three months after arriving on the island of Tanna, his wife died. One week later his infant son also died. Paton was plunged into sorrow. Feeling terribly alone, and surrounded by savage people who showed him no sympathy, he wrote, “Let those who have ever passed through any similar darkness as of midnight feel for me. As for all other, it would be more than vain to try to paint my sorrows….But for Jesus, and [His} fellowship, I [would] have gone mad and died.” (Our Daily Bread, August 6, 1992).