Lamentations 3:55 - Meaning and Commentary
Lamentations 3:55 states: "I called upon thy name, O LORD, out of the low dungeon." This verse emerges from the profound lament of the author, traditionally believed to be the prophet Jeremiah, reflecting on the devastation and suffering experienced in Jerusalem after its destruction. In this verse, there's a significant emphasis on the act of calling upon God from a place of despair.
Summary of Insights
This passage epitomizes the deep reliance on God during times of dire straits, illustrating how individuals in distress appeal to the divine for support and salvation. It highlights the importance of prayer and seeking God’s presence, even from a "low dungeon," symbolizing the lowest points in life.
Key Themes
- Divine Attention in Despair
- Importance of Prayer
- God's Faithfulness in Trials
- The Role of Lamentation in Spiritual Growth
Commentary Insights
Matthew Henry's Commentary
Matthew Henry emphasizes the personal nature of prayer in this verse. He points out that despite being physically confined in a dungeon, the author invokes the name of the Lord—a powerful testament to God's omnipresence and readiness to hear even the most desperate cries. It encourages believers to remember that no situation is too dire for God's intervention.
Albert Barnes' Commentary
Albert Barnes explores the implications of “calling upon the name of the LORD,” suggesting that it reflects an earnest dependency on God's mercy and grace. He notes that the dungeon metaphorically represents spiritual distress, and calling upon God signifies the hope of eventual redemption and restoration.
Adam Clarke's Commentary
Adam Clarke provides a more historical perspective, asserting that this plea follows the backdrop of the Babylonian exile. His analysis underscores the longing for liberation and divine salvation, portraying the verse as an urgent cry from the heart of a faithful individual hoping for relief amid suffering.
Cross-References
To further understand Lamentations 3:55, one can examine the following Bible verses that share similar themes of prayer, desperation, and God's response:
- Psalm 130:1-2: "Out of the depths I have cried to You, O LORD; Lord, hear my voice!" - A parallel showing the depths of despair and the earnest call to God.
- Jonah 2:2: "I cried out to the LORD because of my affliction..." - Jonah's call from within distress mirrors Jeremiah’s cry.
- 2 Corinthians 1:10: "Who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us..." - Paul's assurance reflects God's saving power.
- Romans 10:13: "Whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." - An affirmation of hope in God’s response to calls for help.
- Isaiah 40:31: "But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength..." - Emphasizing hope and divine intervention in times of trouble.
- Psalm 34:17: "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles." - Illustrating God's attentiveness to the prayers of His people.
- Hebrews 4:16: "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace..." - Encouraging believers to approach God in confidence during hardships.
Thematic Connections
The thematic connections between Lamentations 3:55 and other scriptures illustrate how biblical texts intersect in their messages of hope, prayer, and divine salvation. By exploring these connections, believers can gain a more robust understanding of God's nature and responsiveness to human plight.
Resources for Cross-Referencing
Here are some valuable tools and resources for those interested in deeper Bible verse analysis and cross-referencing among the scriptures:
- Bible concordance for identifying specific phrases and themes.
- Cross-reference Bible study books that provide thematic insights.
- Digital tools that allow for quick cross-referencing across various translations and commentaries.
- Inter-Biblical dialogue studies that explore connections between Testaments.
- Comprehensive Bible cross-reference materials available in study Bibles.
Concluding Thoughts
Lamentations 3:55 serves as a profound reminder of the believer’s call to God in times of distress. Through the exploration of various commentaries and related scriptures, it is evident that the act of calling upon God not only reveals our dependence on Him but also His steadfast love and willingness to respond. The links between this verse and others provide a deeper understanding and encourage believers to maintain faith and hope even in the most trying circumstances.
