Lamentations 5:20

Why have You forgotten us forever? Why have You forsaken us for so long?

Study Bible

Why have You forgotten us forever?
This phrase reflects the deep anguish and despair of the Israelites during the Babylonian exile. The feeling of being forgotten by God is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, especially in times of national crisis. The Israelites believed they were God's chosen people, and their exile felt like a divine abandonment. This sentiment echoes Psalm 13:1, where David laments, "How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever?" Theologically, this reflects the human experience of feeling distant from God, often due to sin or disobedience. The exile was a consequence of Israel's persistent idolatry and failure to uphold the covenant, as warned by prophets like Jeremiah. The use of "forever" is hyperbolic, expressing the intensity of their suffering and the seeming endlessness of their plight. However, God's promises to Israel, such as those found in Isaiah 49:15-16, assure that He does not truly forget His people.

Why have You forsaken us for so long?
The term "forsaken" suggests a more active withdrawal of God's presence, which the Israelites interpreted as a result of their covenantal unfaithfulness. This phrase can be connected to Deuteronomy 31:17, where God warns that He will hide His face from Israel if they turn to other gods. The historical context of Lamentations is the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, a catastrophic event that left the city in ruins and the people in despair. The lament is a communal cry, reflecting the collective suffering and longing for restoration. Theologically, this phrase points to the tension between divine justice and mercy. While God allows consequences for sin, His ultimate desire is for repentance and reconciliation. This cry of forsakenness also foreshadows Christ's words on the cross in Matthew 27:46, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" This connection highlights the typology of Christ as the ultimate sufferer who bears the weight of humanity's sin, offering hope of redemption and restoration.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
- Traditionally attributed as the author of Lamentations, Jeremiah is known as the "weeping prophet." He lamented the destruction of Jerusalem and the suffering of his people.

2. Jerusalem
- The city that faced destruction by the Babylonians in 586 B.C., which is the backdrop for the book of Lamentations.

3. Babylonian Exile
- The period when the Israelites were taken captive by Babylon, leading to the lament and questioning of God's presence and faithfulness.

Teaching Points

The Reality of Lament
Lamentations 5:20 teaches us that it is okay to bring our deepest fears and questions to God. Lament is a biblical way to process pain and seek understanding.

God's Faithfulness Amidst Silence
Even when God seems silent or distant, His faithfulness remains. The feeling of being forgotten does not equate to being abandoned.

The Importance of Remembering God's Promises
In times of distress, recalling God's promises can provide comfort and hope. Scripture is filled with reminders of God's enduring presence and love.

Community in Suffering
The communal nature of the lament in Lamentations reminds us of the importance of supporting one another in times of trial and seeking God together.

Hope in Restoration
The cry in Lamentations 5:20 ultimately points towards a hope for restoration and renewal, encouraging believers to trust in God's redemptive plan.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the feeling of being forgotten by God, as expressed in Lamentations 5:20, resonate with your personal experiences of faith?

2. In what ways can the practice of lament, as seen in Lamentations, be a healthy part of your spiritual life?

3. How do other scriptures, such as Deuteronomy 31:6, provide reassurance when you feel forsaken or forgotten by God?

4. What role does community play in helping you navigate feelings of spiritual desolation, as seen in the communal lament of Lamentations?

5. How can you actively remember and rely on God's promises during times when He seems distant or silent?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 13
This Psalm echoes a similar cry of feeling forgotten by God, showing a pattern of lament in the Scriptures where the faithful express their anguish and seek God's presence.

Isaiah 49:14-15
These verses address the fear of being forgotten by God, but also provide reassurance of God's unfailing memory and compassion towards His people.

Deuteronomy 31:6
This verse promises that God will never leave nor forsake His people, providing a contrast to the feelings expressed in Lamentations 5:20.