A Prayer of Intercession (Lamentations 5)
When I conclude an in-depth evaluation of a personality like Jeremiah, I feel I am parting with a friend. The Scriptures, inspired by the LORD, have a unique and powerful way of communicating not only the heart of God but also the personality and struggles of His servants.
Thank you for participating in this study. The Book of Lamentations recorded Jeremiah’s sorrows and struggles as he witnessed the fulfillment of the sufferings and afflictions he foretold would come to pass if the nation did not repent.
A Prayer of Intercession (Lamentations 5:1-13)
In our closing chapter and Bible study in Lamentations, Jeremiah prayed, “Remember, O Lord, what comes upon us: Consider and behold our reproach” (Lamentations 5:1). In his prayer, the prophet reminded the LORD all that the people suffered. The survivors of Babylon’s siege were taken to Babylon, and their homes and lands fell to other people (Lamentations 5:2). The nation was reduced to a poor population of orphans and widows (Lamentations 5:3).
The Jews were no longer free and were forced to labor to purchase water and food (Lamentations 5:4-5). They were slaves of their enemies (Lamentations 5:6). Jeremiah confessed the sins of their forefathers and how the nation had borne the consequences of their sins (Lamentations 5:7; Exodus 20:5). They were mistreated, abused, sick and diseased, and their wives and daughters were violently raped (Lamentations 5:8-11). Their leaders were tortured, and their young men and boys were forced to labor (Lamentations 5:12-13).
A Prayer for Forgiveness and Restoration (Lamentations 5:14-21)
Our study of Lamentations concludes with a tragic picture of a nation that reaped the consequences of its sins. The elders were not esteemed, and the young men found no joy in their music (Lamentations 5:14). Joy ceased, and dance turned to sorrow (Lamentations 5:15-16). The crown of glory once borne by the nation as God’s chosen people had fallen.
The people confessed too late, “We have sinned” (Lamentations 5:16). Overcome with sorrow, his eyes dimmed by tears, Jeremiah looked upon Mount Zion where the Temple once stood, and realized it had become a haven for wild beasts as “foxes walk upon it” (Lamentations 5:18).
Jeremiah’s lamentations closed with him praying for his people. Remembering the LORD is the Eternal God and Sovereign “from generation to generation” (Lamentations 5:19), he called upon the LORD. He was troubled, for he felt as though the LORD had forgotten and forsaken His people (Lamentations 5:20). Yet, knowing the LORD is merciful, Jeremiah concluded his ministry and prayed: “Turn thou us unto thee, O Lord, and we shall be turned; Renew our days as of old. 22But thou hast utterly rejected us; Thou art very wroth against us” (Lamentations 5:21-22).
Closing thoughts
Like ancient Judah, much about our world is disturbing and disheartening. Yet, the LORD used Jeremiah to preserve a historical record of what He requires of His people. The wickedness of the 21st century demands God’s judgment, and we should identify our personal and national sins and confess them. We should, like Jeremiah, pray and remember that the LORD is Eternal and Sovereign “from generation to generation” (Lamentations 5:19).
Let us confess the sins of our homes and nation, call upon the LORD, and turn our hearts to Him.
Previously in this series:
The Consequences of National Sins (Lamentations 4) – Proclaim & Defend (proclaimanddefend.org)
Copyright © 2024 – Travis D. Smith
Travis D. Smith is the pastor of Hillsdale Baptist Church in Tampa, FL. He blogs at from the heart of a shepherd, where this article was first published. It is used here by permission.