Lamentations 5:17-22

17 Because of all this our heart is sick; because of these things our glance is dark.
18 Mount Zion, now deserted— only jackals walk on it now!
19 But you, LORD, will rule forever; your throne lasts from one generation to the next.
20 Why do you forget us continually; why do you abandon us for such a long time?
21 Return us, LORD, to yourself. Please let us return! Give us new days, like those long ago—
22 unless you have completely rejected us, or have become too angry with us.

Lamentations 5:17-22 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO LAMENTATIONS 5

In this chapter are reckoned up the various calamities and distresses of the Jews in Babylon, which the Lord is desired to remember and consider, La 5:1-16; their great concern for the desolation of the temple in particular is expressed, La 5:17,18; and the chapter is concluded with a prayer that God would show favour to them, and turn them to him, and renew their prosperity as of old, though he had rejected them, and been wroth with them, La 5:19-22.

Footnotes 2

  • [a]. Or and we will return or so that we can return
  • [b]. Or But instead you have completely rejected us, become too angry with us, or Because if you have completely rejected us, have become too angry with us.
Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible