Lamentations 5:21
Verse
Context
Sermons



Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Renew our days as of old - Restore us to our former state. Let us regain our country, our temple, and all the Divine offices of our religion; but, more especially, thy favor.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
In many Hebrew MSS Lam 5:21 is found repeated after Lam 5:22, to make the whole more suitable for public reading in the synagogue, that the poem may not end with the mention of the wrath of God, as is the case also at the close of Isaiah, Malachi, and Ecclesiastes: the intention is, to conclude with words of comfort. But v. 22, rightly understood, did not require this repetition: for, as Rhabanas has already remarked in Ghisleri commentar. on v. 22: non haec quasi desperando de salute populi sui locutus est, sed ut dolorem suum nimium de contritione et objectione diutina gentis suae manifestaret. This conclusion entirely agrees with the character of the Lamentations, in which complaint and supplication should continue to the end, - not, however, without an element of hope, although the latter may not rise to the heights of joyful victory, but, as Gerlach expresses himself, "merely glimmers from afar, like the morning star through the clouds, which does not indeed itself dispel the shadows of the night, though it announces that the rising of the sun is near, and that it shall obtain the victory."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(Psa 80:3; Jer 31:18). "Restore us to favor with Thee, and so we shall be restored to our old position" [GROTIUS]. Jeremiah is not speaking of spiritual conversion, but of that outward turning whereby God receives men into His fatherly favor, manifested in bestowing prosperity [CALVIN]. Still, as Israel is a type of the Church, temporal goods typify spiritual blessings; and so the sinner may use this prayer for God to convert him.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Turn thou us unto thee, O Lord, and we shall be turned,.... This prayer expresses the sense they had of their backslidings from God, and distance from him; of their inability to turn themselves to the Lord, or convert themselves; and of their need of divine grace, and of the efficacy of that to effect it; see Jer 31:18; for this is to be understood not only of returning them to their own land, and to the external worship of God in it; but of turning them to the Lord by true and perfect repentance, as the Targum; of the conversion of their hearts and the reformation of their lives: renew our days as of old; for good, as the Targum adds. The request is, that their good days might be renewed; that they might enjoy the same peace and prosperity, and all good things in their own land, as they had done in days and years past: first they pray for repentance; then restoration.
Lamentations 5:21
A Prayer for Restoration
20Why have You forgotten us forever? Why have You forsaken us for so long? 21Restore us to Yourself, O LORD, so we may return; renew our days as of old, 22unless You have utterly rejected us and remain angry with us beyond measure.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Land Is in Ruins, Weep All Ye People!
By Brian Long95127:44RevivalLAM 1:15LAM 3:19LAM 3:43LAM 5:21In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the desperate state of the nation during the time of Jeremiah. He emphasizes how Jeremiah's heart was deeply affected by the sins of God's people and the destruction of Jerusalem. The speaker urges the audience to go beyond simply gathering and listening to messages, but to cry out to God in desperation and faith-filled prayer. He encourages them to believe that God desires to revive them and calls for a deeper understanding of God's perspective and a heartfelt response like Jeremiah.
Jeremiah & Lamentations - Through the Bible
By Zac Poonen86655:44JER 1:5JER 20:9JER 29:13LAM 3:22LAM 3:40LAM 5:21This sermon delves into the life of Jeremiah, a faithful prophet who preached to Judah for over 40 years, trying to save them from their sins and impending judgment. Despite facing rejection and persecution, Jeremiah remained steadfast, like Jesus, in his simplicity, sensitivity, and strength. The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God wholeheartedly, standing true to God's word even in the face of opposition, and having a deep burden for the spiritual well-being of God's people.
Revival
By J. Wesley Adcock62837:03RevivalPSA 85:4PSA 138:7LAM 5:21MAT 6:33EPH 2:8EPH 4:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's word. He points out the hypocrisy of those who claim to desire revival but fail to actively pursue unity and spiritual growth. The preacher highlights the lack of awareness of spiritual need in many churches today. He also emphasizes the need for confession and obedience as essential elements for experiencing revival.
(Through the Bible) Jeremiah & Lamentations
By Zac Poonen56255:44JER 1:5JER 20:9JER 29:13LAM 3:22LAM 3:40LAM 5:21This sermon delves into the life of Jeremiah, a faithful prophet who preached to Judah for over 40 years, warning them of their sins and impending judgment. Despite facing rejection and persecution, Jeremiah remained steadfast, weeping in secret for his people's backsliding. His qualities of simplicity, sensitivity, and strength in proclaiming the truth are highlighted, resembling Jesus who also wept over Jerusalem. The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God wholeheartedly, standing true to His word, and having a burden for the spiritual well-being of others.
Renew Our Days as of Old!
By Derek Melton02CH 7:14ISA 62:6LAM 5:21JOL 2:25EPH 5:27Derek Melton passionately calls for a revival in the Church, lamenting the current state of lukewarmness, compromise, and lack of fervor for God. He highlights the need for a sovereign move of God to turn hearts back to Him, renewing the Church's passion and commitment to prayer, intercession, and holiness. The sermon emphasizes the dangers of religious gimmicks, false doctrines, and worldly influences that have infiltrated the Church, leading to a departure from true worship and spiritual power. Melton urges believers to repent, seek God's face, and long for a revival that will purify and restore the Church to its former glory.
Jesus Gives Perfect Peace
By Jim Elliot0PSA 39:2PSA 103:5PSA 104:30LAM 5:21The preacher, focusing on the Greek word 'anakainizo' meaning 'to restore,' emphasizes the concept of bringing to conversion again and the impossibility of a second repentance according to Hebrews. This renewal, leading to becoming a 'brand new creation,' is a one-time miracle, highlighting the idea of regeneration in early Christian writings. The term 'anakainizo' is used in secular writing to signify renewing, giving new life, or restoring something already present, with a unique emphasis on a new and qualitatively different repentance.
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Renew our days as of old - Restore us to our former state. Let us regain our country, our temple, and all the Divine offices of our religion; but, more especially, thy favor.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
In many Hebrew MSS Lam 5:21 is found repeated after Lam 5:22, to make the whole more suitable for public reading in the synagogue, that the poem may not end with the mention of the wrath of God, as is the case also at the close of Isaiah, Malachi, and Ecclesiastes: the intention is, to conclude with words of comfort. But v. 22, rightly understood, did not require this repetition: for, as Rhabanas has already remarked in Ghisleri commentar. on v. 22: non haec quasi desperando de salute populi sui locutus est, sed ut dolorem suum nimium de contritione et objectione diutina gentis suae manifestaret. This conclusion entirely agrees with the character of the Lamentations, in which complaint and supplication should continue to the end, - not, however, without an element of hope, although the latter may not rise to the heights of joyful victory, but, as Gerlach expresses himself, "merely glimmers from afar, like the morning star through the clouds, which does not indeed itself dispel the shadows of the night, though it announces that the rising of the sun is near, and that it shall obtain the victory."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(Psa 80:3; Jer 31:18). "Restore us to favor with Thee, and so we shall be restored to our old position" [GROTIUS]. Jeremiah is not speaking of spiritual conversion, but of that outward turning whereby God receives men into His fatherly favor, manifested in bestowing prosperity [CALVIN]. Still, as Israel is a type of the Church, temporal goods typify spiritual blessings; and so the sinner may use this prayer for God to convert him.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Turn thou us unto thee, O Lord, and we shall be turned,.... This prayer expresses the sense they had of their backslidings from God, and distance from him; of their inability to turn themselves to the Lord, or convert themselves; and of their need of divine grace, and of the efficacy of that to effect it; see Jer 31:18; for this is to be understood not only of returning them to their own land, and to the external worship of God in it; but of turning them to the Lord by true and perfect repentance, as the Targum; of the conversion of their hearts and the reformation of their lives: renew our days as of old; for good, as the Targum adds. The request is, that their good days might be renewed; that they might enjoy the same peace and prosperity, and all good things in their own land, as they had done in days and years past: first they pray for repentance; then restoration.