Lamentations 5:17

Because of this, our hearts are faint; because of these, our eyes grow dim--

Study Bible

Our hearts
The Hebrew word for "hearts" is "לִבֵּנוּ" (libbenu), which refers to the inner self, the seat of emotions, thoughts, and will. In the context of Lamentations, the heart represents the collective emotional and spiritual state of the people of Judah. Their hearts are not just physically sick but are deeply affected by the spiritual and moral decay that has led to their current suffering. This phrase invites reflection on the importance of maintaining a heart aligned with God's will, as emphasized throughout Scripture, particularly in Proverbs 4:23, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life."

are sick and weary
The Hebrew word "חָלָה" (chalah) conveys a sense of being weak, sick, or afflicted. This phrase captures the profound sense of exhaustion and despair experienced by the people. Historically, this reflects the aftermath of the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, where the physical and emotional toll on the survivors was immense. Spiritually, it serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God, as sin leads to spiritual sickness and weariness. The call here is to seek restoration and healing through repentance and faith in God.

our eyes
The eyes, "עֵינֵינוּ" (eineno), are often symbolic in Scripture of perception and understanding. In this context, the eyes represent the ability to see and comprehend the reality of their situation. The dimming of their eyes signifies a loss of hope and clarity, a common theme in Lamentations where the people struggle to see beyond their immediate suffering. This imagery encourages believers to seek spiritual sight through God's Word, as seen in Psalm 119:18, "Open my eyes that I may see wondrous things from Your law."

grow dim
The Hebrew "כָּהָה" (kahah) means to grow faint or weak. This phrase illustrates the diminishing vision and hope of the people. Historically, it reflects the physical and emotional toll of the destruction of Jerusalem. Spiritually, it serves as a metaphor for losing sight of God's promises and purposes. The dimming of vision calls believers to renew their focus on God, who restores sight and hope, as Jesus did for the blind in the Gospels.

with tears
The word "דִּמְעָה" (dim'ah) refers to tears, a universal symbol of sorrow and lament. In the context of Lamentations, tears are a response to the profound grief and loss experienced by the people. Archaeologically, evidence of the Babylonian destruction corroborates the historical context of such deep mourning. Scripturally, tears are often seen as a form of prayer, expressing the heart's deepest cries to God. Psalm 56:8 reminds us that God is attentive to our tears, "You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in Your bottle." This phrase encourages believers to bring their sorrows to God, trusting in His compassion and comfort.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
- Traditionally considered the author of Lamentations, Jeremiah is known as the "weeping prophet" due to his deep sorrow over the destruction of Jerusalem and the suffering of his people.

2. Jerusalem
- The city that has been destroyed, leading to the lament expressed in this verse. It was the center of Jewish worship and identity.

3. Babylonian Exile
- The event that led to the destruction of Jerusalem and the subsequent lament. The Babylonians conquered Jerusalem, leading to the exile of many Jews.

Teaching Points

The Reality of Suffering
Lamentations 5:17 reminds us that suffering is a real and profound part of the human experience. It is important to acknowledge and express our pain rather than suppress it.

The Consequences of Sin
The destruction of Jerusalem serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. It calls us to examine our own lives and repent where necessary.

Hope in Despair
While the verse expresses deep sorrow, it also invites us to seek God in our darkest moments, trusting that He is present even when our hearts are faint.

The Importance of Community Lament
The communal nature of the lament in Lamentations encourages us to support one another in times of distress, sharing in each other's burdens.

Spiritual Vision
The dimming of eyes symbolizes a loss of spiritual vision. We are called to seek God’s light to restore our spiritual sight and understanding.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the historical context of the Babylonian Exile enhance our understanding of the lament in Lamentations 5:17?

2. In what ways can we relate the physical symptoms of sorrow described in this verse to our own experiences of grief and loss?

3. How do other scriptures, such as Psalm 6:7 and Isaiah 1:4-7, deepen our understanding of the themes of sin and suffering in Lamentations?

4. What practical steps can we take to support others in our community who are experiencing a "faint heart" or "dim eyes"?

5. How can 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 inspire us to find hope and renewal in the midst of our own suffering, in contrast to the despair expressed in Lamentations 5:17?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 6:7
- This verse speaks of eyes growing weak with sorrow, similar to the lament in Lamentations 5:17, highlighting the physical manifestation of deep emotional pain.

Isaiah 1:4-7
- Describes the sinful state of the nation, which led to its downfall, providing context for the lament in Lamentations.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18
- Offers a New Testament perspective on enduring suffering and maintaining hope, contrasting the despair in Lamentations with the hope found in Christ.