Jerusalem's Sin and Result Lamentations 1:8

As we have begun to to study the book of Lamentations, we may have wondered why Jeremiah was so distraught over Jerusalem and Judah, and what were the reasons that they were suffering so much? In chapter one and verse eight Jeremiah alludes to the reason for their destruction, and the result of that reason. We read:

Jerusalem has grievously sinned; therefore she is removed: all that honored her despise her, because they have seen her nakedness: yes, she sighs, and turns backward.

The verse begins, “Jerusalem has grievously sinned; therefore she is removed:” Herein lies the reason for Jerusalem's judgment- “grievously sinned” which means “to miss, miss the way, go wrong, incur guilt, or forfeit”. Jerusalem “missed the mark”, the holy mark which God set up in His law, and not only did she miss it she “grievously” missed it. The result of missing the mark was “she is removed” which means “impure, filthiness, impurity”. The city that once had a pure relationship with God no longer did.

The verse continues, “all that honored her despise her, because they have seen her nakedness:” The social effect of Jerusalem's sin was “all that honored her” or “credited, glorified, and spoke well of” her were now manifesting just the opposite. They “despise her” which means they “remove, take away, and make light of” her for the sin. The reason is “because they have seen her nakedness” or “saw, looked at, inspected, perceived, and considered” her “nudity, shame, pudenda which implies shameful exposure”. These once honored people were now exposed and undefended for their improper behavior.

Finally the verse says, “yes, she sighs, and turns backward.” Because of this social rejection, Jerusalem “sighs” or “groans like in pain or grief”, and she “gasps and moans like that of cattle”. She also “turns backward” which means she “returns or retreats” back so only her hinder parts are shown. In other words her shame and guilt makes her turn away.

While we consider the words of Jeremiah in this verse, we will benefit by reading his words in the book by his own name – Jeremiah. Over and over again Jeremiah warned Jerusalem of the pending judgment if they were to sin against God, but they did not listen. Their hearts were hardened to the ways of God, and therefore judgment came upon them. Rather than stay pure in their relationship with the Heavenly Father, they strayed from Him and became dishonorable among their peers. As we ponder these thoughts, perhaps we will discover areas in our lives which if discovered would provide fodder for others to ridicule and dishonor. May the Lord keep His hand upon us that we may never forsake Him and discover the results of falling away from a relationship with Him.

Next time we will see Jerusalem without a comforter, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

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