Out of the Low Dungeon (Lamentations 3:55-58)

2022-07-17

I called upon thy name, O LORD, out of the low dungeon. Thou hast heard my voice: hide not thine ear at my breathing, at my cry. Thou drewest near in the day that I called upon thee: thou saidst, Fear not. O Lord, thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul; thou hast redeemed my life. (Lamentations 3:55-58)

Even though Jeremiah had preached and warned the people day and night for years concerning the upcoming desolation of Judah, he still felt much pain for the destruction of his country and his people. He had been brought low by his own countrymen, but it did not stop the pain when the fall of Jerusalem occurred. He loved the people who treated him shamefully.

After going through all the trauma he experienced, the prophet still called to the Lord, confident that He hears and draws near to him. The Lord is the one who gives life and comfort amid such turmoil and hopelessness. It may take awhile, though. The first two and a half chapters of Lamentations are filled with tears and pain. However, amid that pain, the Lord slowly brought a change in the heart of Jeremiah so that His presence could be known.