God’s Steadfast Love

GOLDEN TEXT: “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.” —Lamentations 3.22

LAMENTATIONS 3:22-26, 31-40

THE Book of Lamentations was written by the Prophet Jeremiah, being an expression of the sorrows of the Jewish people over the destruction of Jerusalem and their temple, and the loss of their independence as a nation when they were taken captive to Babylon. In writing the book, which is a series of poems, Jeremiah was not merely a patriot-poet weeping over the ruin of his country; he was also a prophet who had seen the calamities coming, and had foretold them.

God had permitted the Israelites to be taken into captivity as a punishment for their sins. They were not only God’s chosen people, but his covenant people as well. They had entered into a covenant with the Lord under the terms of the Law given to them at the hands of Moses. Under this covenant God promised to protect and bless them, and they were to be punished if they were not faithful to him.

Various lesser punishments upon Israel had been foretold, with the warning that if after these they continued to sin the Lord would punish them “seven times more,” or additionally. (Lev. 26:18,21,24,28) This was a time prophecy which began to count when Israel was taken captive to Babylon. It was a period of 2,520 years which terminated in A.D. 1914. Although the captivity in Babylon lasted for only seventy years, Israel continued to be a subject nation until destroyed in A.D. 70-73.

It was a hard experience for the Israelites, but as Jeremiah explains in the Golden Text, had it not been for the mercies and compassions of the Lord they would have been destroyed. The Lord’s mercies, Jeremiah continued, are “new every morning” To this he adds, “Great is thy faithfulness.”—vs. 23

God is faithful to all his people. He was faithful to the Israelites. Even the punishments which he permitted to come upon them were evidences of his faithfulness. There are many prophecies in the Old Testament assuring the Israelites that although he would allow them to be scattered among all the various nations of the earth, in his own due time, in the ending of the present age, he would restore them to their Promised Land. The fact that this is being done is one of the evidences of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling the promises he makes to his people.

“The Lord is good unto them that wait for him,” Jeremiah writes, and adds, “It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.” (vss. 25,26) The Israelites were then captives in Babylon. There was nothing they could do to change the situation except to “hope” and to “wait.” This, Jeremiah admonished, was a “good” thing to do.

This is also a “good” attitude for all the Lord’s people, whatever their immediate circumstances might be. We should never take matters into our own hands. Even when conditions are favorable, and the Lord’s blessings are being showered abundantly upon us, we should “wait on the Lord,” “quietly” trusting his providences, with faith believing that he will give us strength for our every time of need.

Verse 31 reads that “the Lord will not cast off forever.” This was true in his dealings with the Israelites, and even now we can see his favor returning to them. He may not smile upon us today, but “tomorrow,” when we have learned a needed lesson, the light of his countenance will again reveal his love. For our good he may “cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.”—verse 32

The marginal translation of verse 33 assures us that the Lord does not “from the heart” afflict us. He does not enjoy seeing his people suffer, but when his wisdom sees that it is best, he is willing to endure with them. God is love. He cannot also be vengeful. He does not afflict in order to “crush.” He is permitting the whole world to die because of sin, but the “prisoners” of death are all to be released in the coining new day, the “times of restitution.”—Isa. 42:7; 49:9; Acts 3:19-23

As Jeremiah explains, a man has no right to complain when punished for his sins. It is an evidence of God’s faithfulness. Whether individually or as a nation, it is the privilege of sinners to repent of their sins, and to return to the Lord. Through Christ this opportunity will yet be given to every descendant of Adam.

Since Israel was in captivity because of her sins, Jeremiah appropriately wrote, “Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord.” (vs. 40) This is wholesome advice for all who would enjoy the blessings of the Lord.

QUESTIONS

Relate the circumstances under which the Book of Lamentations was written.

In what sense was God’s mercy manifested toward Israel at that time?

Cite evidences of God’s faithfulness.

Does God take pleasure in punishing his people?

What is the proper attitude for those whom the Lord does punish?

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