Lamentations 3:36
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Lamentations 3:36
36 To subvert a man in his cause, the Lord approveth not.
Chapter Context
Lamentations 3 is a funeral dirge chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of mercy, discipleship, fellowship. Written during just after Jerusalem's fall (c. 586 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written amid the devastating aftermath of Jerusalem's destruction by Babylon.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-66: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Lamentations and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Lamentations 3:36
36 To subvert a man in his cause, the Lord approveth not.
Analysis
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:
- crushing prisoners (verse 34)
- perverting individual rights (verse 35), or
- subverting legal cases (verse 36).
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).
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).
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?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H136 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Isaiah 59:15
- Parallel theme: Habakkuk 1:13