Lamentations 3:36
To subvert a man in his cause, the Lord approveth not.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Legal subversion was endemic in both pre-exilic Judah and exilic Babylon. Micah 7:3 describes corrupt Judean judges: "The prince asketh, and the judge asketh for a reward." Amos 5:12 condemns those who afflict the just and take bribes.
In Babylon, exiles had no legal standing or protections. They were subject to arbitrary treatment without recourse. Daniel 6 illustrates how political enemies manipulated law to subvert Daniel's case. Though God delivered Daniel, the incident shows the pervasive injustice of imperial legal systems.
Yet Lamentations maintains that God observes all. He approved none of the judicial corruption—neither Judah's pre-exilic perversions nor Babylon's exilic subversions. This dual judgment demonstrates God's impartial holiness. James 2:1-9 later teaches that showing partiality in judgment sins against God's law. Perfect justice will come only in Christ's kingdom (Psalm 96:10, 13).
Questions for Reflection
- How do verses 33-36 work together to show that God's discipline serves redemptive rather than vindictive purposes?
- What comfort comes from knowing that though God permits unjust suffering as discipline, He 'approveth not' of the injustice itself?
- How does Christ's experience of having His cause subverted demonstrate God's solidarity with the oppressed?
- In what ways should believers work against judicial corruption while trusting God's ultimate justice?
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Analysis & Commentary
The series concludes: "To subvert a man in his cause, the Lord approveth not." The Hebrew le-awet adam be-rivo Adonai lo ra'ah uses awat (עָוַת), meaning to make crooked, pervert, or subvert. Riv (רִיב) means lawsuit, dispute, or legal case. The phrase describes twisting someone's legal case against them—judicial corruption.
The climax comes with "the Lord approveth not" (Adonai lo ra'ah). The verb ra'ah (רָאָה) means to see, perceive, or approve. God doesn't approve or look favorably upon such actions. The covenant name Adonai (Lord, Master) emphasizes His authority to judge these matters.
This verse completes the thought begun in verse 34. God doesn't approve of:
Though He permits such things for disciplinary purposes, He disapproves and will judge those who do them. This establishes crucial theological principles: God's permissive will differs from His approved will; divine sovereignty doesn't negate human responsibility. Christ embodies these principles—suffering unjust subversion while trusting the righteous Judge (1 Peter 2:23).