Lamentations 3:57
Thou drewest near in the day that I called upon thee: thou saidst, Fear not.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
God's drawing near "in the day" Jeremiah called likely refers to the rescue from the cistern (Jeremiah 38:7-13). Ebed-melech's intervention came swiftly, preventing Jeremiah's death. This was divine providence—God drawing near through human agency. The "fear not" may have been God's internal assurance to Jeremiah's heart, or prophetic word, or simply the peace that came with rescue.
For exilic Israel, God's "fear not" found fulfillment in restoration promises. Isaiah 40-55, often called the "Book of Comfort," repeatedly commands "fear not": "Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine" (Isaiah 43:1). "Fear not, O Jacob my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen" (Isaiah 44:2). These promises sustained hope during decades of exile.
The historical fulfillment came through Cyrus. Isaiah 45:1-7 shows God raised Cyrus to conquer Babylon and authorize Jewish return (Ezra 1:1-4). When the 70 years ended (Jeremiah 29:10), God indeed drew near and said "fear not" through concrete historical action. The same principle applies to all who call upon God—He draws near in their day of trouble and speaks peace to fearful hearts.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God 'drawing near' in the day we call upon Him demonstrate His personal, responsive nature rather than distant indifference?
- What does the command 'fear not' reveal about God's understanding of our emotional state and His desire to give peace?
- In what ways did Christ's incarnation represent the ultimate 'drawing near'—God coming to us in flesh (John 1:14, Matthew 1:23)?
- How should past experiences of God drawing near when we called encourage us to cry out again in present troubles?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Divine response remembered: "Thou drewest near in the day that I called upon thee: thou saidst, Fear not." The Hebrew karavta beyom ekraeka amarta al-tira (קָרַבְתָּ בְּיוֹם אֶקְרָאֶךָּ אָמַרְתָּ אַל־תִּירָא) describes God's responsive approach. Karavta (קָרַבְתָּ, "you drew near") indicates active movement toward the one praying. God doesn't merely hear from a distance but draws close to help.
"In the day that I called" (beyom ekraeka, בְּיוֹם אֶקְרָאֶךָּ) emphasizes immediacy—the very day of calling, God approached. "Thou saidst, Fear not" (amarta al-tira, אָמַרְתָּ אַל־תִּירָא) recalls the most common command in Scripture. "Fear not" appears over 100 times in various forms, expressing God's reassurance to His people in crisis (Genesis 15:1, 26:24, Isaiah 41:10, 43:1, 5, Luke 12:32).
Theologically, this verse testifies to answered prayer. Though verses 1-54 described judgment, affliction, and the pit, verses 55-57 reveal God heard, drew near, and spoke comfort. This demonstrates that divine discipline doesn't mean permanent distance. The psalmist testifies similarly: "The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit" (Psalm 34:18). God's nearness to the suffering, repentant heart is guaranteed (James 4:8, 10).