Lamentations 4:1-22
Q.1. How great was the iniquity of Judah that brought God’s wrath against her? – (Lam.4:1-11)
We all deserve God’s wrath. Whenever He displays His chastisement, it is for good reason. However, Judah had – 16 … continually mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against His people, until there was no remedy. 17 Therefore He brought up against them the king of the Chaldeans … (2 Chron.36:16-17). Judah was without excuse – 6 For the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the sin of Sodom, which was overthrown as in a moment, and no hands were turned toward her (Lam.4:6). Women even cooked and ate their own children (Lam.4:10). Jeremiah reminded the people – The Lord has accomplished His wrath and has poured out His fierce anger; And He has kindled a fire in Zion Which has consumed its foundations (Lam.4:11).
Q.2. Will the exultation of Israel’s enemies ever end? What outcome did the prophet foretell? – (Lam.4:12-22)
Israel’s opponents could hardly believe the utter destruction of the land, and the demise of God’s people (Lam.4:12). They added to Israel’s misery by believing that God was finished with His people – The presence of the Lord has scattered them. He will not continue to regard them (Lam.4:16 c.f. Lam.4:14-15). Their punishment was indeed greater than what had been meted out to all others (as God had promised through Moses – Deut.Chpts.28-32). However, Israel’s enemies failed to factor in the nature of the Covenant relationship that God has with Israel. He was indeed chastising His people. Yet Jeremiah could foresee a time of restoration – The punishment of your iniquity has been completed, O daughter of Zion; He will exile you no longer (Lam.4:22). The Edomites, descendants of Esau who despised his birthright, had rejoiced too quickly (Gen.25:34). Their undoing would surely come –He will punish your iniquity, O daughter of Edom; He will expose your sins (Lam.4:21).