What is the meaning of Lamentations 1:21? People have heard my groaning “People have heard my groaning…” • Jerusalem’s pain is public; her collapse cannot be hidden (compare 1 Kings 9:8; Lamentations 1:11). • Like Job, whose laments were overheard by friends (Job 19:2), the city’s sorrow is broadcast, inviting either compassion or contempt. • God records every sigh (Psalm 38:9; Psalm 79:11). When others only listen, He is already moved. but there is no one to comfort me “…but there is no one to comfort me.” • Repeated four times in this chapter (Lamentations 1:2, 16, 17, 21), underscoring total abandonment. • Echoes David’s cry, “I looked for compassion, but there was none” (Psalm 69:20). • The truth: only the LORD ultimately comforts (Isaiah 51:12; 2 Corinthians 1:3) even when human help disappears. All my enemies have heard of my trouble “All my enemies have heard of my trouble…” • Foreign nations, once restrained by God’s protection, now watch in satisfaction (Lamentations 1:7; Micah 7:8). • God had warned that unfaithfulness would make Israel “an object of scorn” (Deuteronomy 28:37). • The enemies’ knowledge magnifies shame, fulfilling prophetic warnings (Jeremiah 24:9). they are glad that You have caused it “…they are glad that You have caused it.” • The adversaries rejoice (Ezekiel 26:2; Psalm 35:15). Their gloating, though sinful, is allowed as part of divine judgment. • God remains sovereign; the fall is “caused” by Him (Lamentations 2:1). Justice is displayed even through hostile instruments (Habakkuk 1:12). • Yet the LORD will also hold these nations accountable for their malicious delight (Obadiah 1:12–15). May You bring the day You have announced “May You bring the day You have announced…” • Jeremiah prays for God’s promised reversal of fortunes (Jeremiah 25:12–14; Isaiah 13:6). • “The day” refers to judgment on Babylon and final vindication for Zion (Jeremiah 51:11). • Trust rests in God’s timetable; announced judgment is as certain as fulfilled judgment (Numbers 23:19). so that they may become like me “…so that they may become like me.” • Lex talionis principle: what the enemies did will return upon their own heads (Obadiah 1:15; Psalm 79:12). • The plea is not personal revenge but alignment with God’s righteous standard (Deuteronomy 32:35). • In the cross, ultimate justice meets mercy; yet earthly retribution foretells final reckoning (Revelation 18:6). summary Jerusalem’s lament reveals visible suffering, complete isolation, enemies’ gloating, divine causation, a plea for God’s promised day, and a desire for measured recompense. The passage reassures believers that God hears every groan, controls every judgment, and will unfailingly vindicate His people while righteously dealing with their foes. |
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