As we continue our study of
the book of Lamentations, we will notice the sadness of the people of
both Judah and Jerusalem. Where there was once thriving activities,
there was now minimal liveliness. In chapter one and verse four we
learn more about the people within the city of Jerusalem where we
read:
The
ways of Zion do mourn, because none come to the solemn feasts: all
her gates are desolate: her priests sigh, her virgins are afflicted,
and she is in bitterness.
The
verse begins, “The
ways of Zion do mourn, because none come to the solemn feasts:”
Jeremiah
first addressed “The
ways of Zion”.
“Zion”
is another name for Jerusalem and means “parched place, sunny place
or sunny mountain”. This city that is called “the city of David”
that once was bustling with activities now sat in mourning. The
reason was because no one came to the “appointed
place, appointed time, or sacred meeting”. Seasonal feasts and
worship times were attended regularly by the people of Judah before
their captivity, but now “none
come to the solemn feasts”.
The
verse goes on to say, “all
her gates are desolate: her priests sigh, her virgins are
afflicted,...” In
addition to no one attending the feasts, “the
gates”
which were known for “judgments, official activities, and places
where city leaders met” were “desolate”
or “stunned, put to silence, and abandoned”. The idea was that
the conquering of their people was so shocking that they could not
make judgments at the gates any more. Jeremiah also wrote concerning
the “priests”.
These religious leaders now “sigh”
or “groan, gasp and moan like cattle” at the events which
occurred in their city. The “virgins”
who
were “pure, unspotted and separated from activities with men”
were now “afflicted”
which means “grieved, suffering, and caused to sorrow”.
Finally the verse says, “and she is in
bitterness.” The result of the lack of attendance at the solemn
feasts, the gates being desolate, the priests sighing, and the
virgins being afflicted was that the city sat “in bitterness”
which means “grieved, vexed, and with choler”. The once alive and
active city was diminished to a saddened and bitter state.
As we read these horrific reports from Jeremiah while he observed the
rubble of this city from an overseeing cave, we might imagine his
sorrow as he penned these words. He had warned them in the book
called after his name – “Jeremiah”, and they did not listen.
Their activities went on as normal even though he encouraged them
over and over again to return to the Lord before it was too late, and
now Jeremiah looked upon the results of their rebellion. Perhaps as
we ponder his words we will imagine ourselves looking over our city
and wondering if the same could happen to us. Where there is
activity, could there be silence and stunning? Where there are
feasts, could there be none to attend? Where there are places of
judgment, priests in office, and virgins unspotted, could there be
bitterness in just a little time away? May the thoughts of these
things lead us to the Lord Jesus and have us in a place of pleading
for the mercy of God upon us that we would return to Him before the
fate of Zion becomes our own.
Next
time we will see how the adversaries of Judah and Jerusalem, so read
ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow...there is more...
Look
for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be
Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the
Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ;
www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
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