Lamentations 5:21
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Lamentations 5:21
21 Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old.
Chapter Context
Lamentations 5 is a funeral dirge chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of hope, holiness, 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 21-22: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. 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 5:21
21 Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old.
Analysis
Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned (הֲשִׁיבֵנוּ יְהוָה אֵלֶיךָ וְנָשׁוּבָה, hashivenu YHWH elekha venashuvah)—The plea for God to 'turn us' before we can 'be turned' acknowledges human inability to repent apart from divine initiative. This is proto-Augustinian theology: conversion requires God's prevenient grace. The wordplay on 'shuv' (turn/return) emphasizes that repentance is both divine gift and human responsibility—a mystery. Renew our days as of old (חַדֵּשׁ יָמֵינוּ כְּקֶדֶם, chadesh yameinu keqedem)—'as of old' recalls wilderness wanderings after Exodus, or perhaps David/Solomon's golden age. The prayer is for restoration to former covenant relationship, not merely former prosperity.
Historical Context
This became a liturgical prayer in Judaism, recited when returning the Torah scroll to the ark after synagogue reading. It expresses perpetual Jewish longing for restoration to God. The theology of God initiating return while humans respond anticipates New Covenant teaching (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:26-27).
Reflection
- Do you approach repentance as your own accomplishment or as a gift you must ask God to grant? What difference does this distinction make?
- What would 'days as of old' look like in your spiritual life—what past experiences of closeness with God do you long to see renewed?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Psalms 80:19, Jeremiah 31:18, 33:10, 33:13, Ezekiel 36:37, Habakkuk 3:2
- Parallel theme: Psalms 80:3, 80:7, 85:4, Jeremiah 31:4