Lamentations 3:64
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Lamentations 3:64
64 Render unto them a recompence, O LORD, according to the work of their hands.
Chapter Context
Lamentations 3 is a funeral dirge chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, sacrifice, faith. 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 contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. 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 3:64
64 Render unto them a recompence, O LORD, according to the work of their hands.
Analysis
Appeal for divine retribution: "Render unto them a recompence, O LORD, according to the work of their hands." The Hebrew tashiv lahem gemul YHWH kema'aseh yedeihem (תָּשִׁיב לָהֶם גְּמוּל יְהוָה כְּמַעֲשֵׂה יְדֵיהֶם) requests God execute justice. Tashiv (תָּשִׁיב, "render, return") means to pay back or recompense. Gemul (גְּמוּל) means recompense, dealing, or due reward—what is deserved.
"According to the work of their hands" (kema'aseh yedeihem, כְּמַעֲשֵׂה יְדֵיהֶם) requests proportionate justice. Not excessive revenge but appropriate consequences matching their deeds. This echoes lex talionis ("eye for eye")—punishment fitting the crime (Exodus 21:23-25). The principle appears throughout Scripture: "With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again" (Matthew 7:2). "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (Galatians 6:7).
Theologically, this represents an imprecatory prayer—calling on God to judge evildoers. Such prayers appear throughout Psalms (Psalm 35, 69, 109, 137, 139). They aren't vindictive but appeals for divine justice. Romans 12:19 commands: "Avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." Imprecatory prayers give wrath its proper place—in God's hands, not ours. They express confidence that God will indeed judge evil and vindicate the righteous.
Historical Context
Imprecatory psalms and prayers were common in ancient Israel. David prayed similar prayers against enemies (Psalm 55:15, 58:6-8, 69:22-28). Jeremiah repeatedly called for judgment on his persecutors (Jeremiah 11:20, 15:15, 17:18, 18:21-23, 20:12). These weren't vindictive rants but covenantal appeals—asking God to enforce the curses He promised against those who harm His servants.
God answered such prayers. Those who opposed Jeremiah perished in Jerusalem's fall. The false prophets who contradicted Jeremiah were killed or exiled (Jeremiah 20:6, 28:15-17, 29:21-23). Officials who persecuted Jeremiah faced judgment (Jeremiah 38:2-3). The Babylonians who exceeded God's disciplinary intent eventually fell to Persia (Daniel 5, fulfilling Jeremiah 50-51). Justice came, though timing was God's prerogative.
The principle continues in the New Testament. Revelation 6:9-11 shows martyrs under the altar crying: "How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?" Revelation 18-19 describes God's judgment on Babylon (Rome), answering that prayer. 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9 promises: "it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you." Divine justice is certain, even if delayed.
Reflection
- How do imprecatory prayers like this one differ from personal revenge, and why are they legitimate expressions of faith?
- What does 'according to the work of their hands' teach about proportionate rather than excessive judgment?
- In what ways does leaving vengeance to God (Romans 12:19) actually demonstrate greater faith than taking personal revenge?
- How should believers pray regarding evil and evildoers today—ignoring injustice, or appealing to God for righteous judgment?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Jeremiah 11:20, 2 Timothy 4:14
- Parallel theme: Psalms 28:4