Topical Encyclopedia The term "lamentable" refers to something that is worthy of lament or sorrow, often due to its grievous or distressing nature. In the context of the Bible, lamentation is a profound expression of grief, often directed towards God in times of distress, sin, or national calamity. The Bible contains numerous instances where lamentation is a central theme, reflecting the human condition and the need for divine intervention.Biblical Instances of Lamentation 1. The Book of Lamentations: This book is a collection of poetic laments for the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. Traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, it captures the sorrow and despair of the Israelites following the Babylonian conquest. The opening verse sets the tone: "How lonely lies the city, once so full of people! She who was great among the nations has become like a widow" (Lamentations 1:1). The book serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of sin and the hope for God's mercy. 2. David's Lament for Saul and Jonathan: In 2 Samuel 1:17-27, David laments the deaths of Saul and Jonathan, expressing deep sorrow and honoring their legacy. His lament is both personal and national, reflecting the loss of a king and a beloved friend. David's words, "How the mighty have fallen!" (2 Samuel 1:19), capture the lamentable nature of their deaths and the impact on Israel. 3. The Lament of Jesus over Jerusalem: In the New Testament, Jesus laments over Jerusalem, foreseeing its destruction due to the people's rejection of Him. In Matthew 23:37, He expresses His sorrow: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling" . This lament highlights the tragic consequences of unbelief and the heart of Christ for His people. 4. The Psalms of Lament: Many Psalms are categorized as laments, where the psalmist cries out to God in times of trouble. Psalm 13, for example, begins with a plea: "How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?" (Psalm 13:1). These psalms often follow a pattern of complaint, petition, and trust, demonstrating a deep reliance on God even in lamentable circumstances. Theological Significance Lamentation in the Bible serves several purposes. It is an honest expression of human emotion, acknowledging the reality of suffering and the brokenness of the world. It also acts as a form of prayer, directing sorrow towards God and seeking His intervention. Lamentation can lead to repentance, as individuals and nations recognize their sin and turn back to God. Furthermore, it provides a framework for hope, as lament often transitions to trust in God's faithfulness and promises. Practical Application For believers, the concept of lamentable situations encourages a biblical response to suffering. It invites Christians to bring their sorrows before God, trusting in His sovereignty and goodness. Lamentation is not a sign of weak faith but rather an integral part of a vibrant relationship with God, where one can be honest about pain while holding onto hope. Through lament, believers can find comfort in God's presence and assurance in His ultimate plan for redemption. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Mourning; sorrowful; expressing grief; as, a lamentable countenance.2. (a.) Fitted to awaken lament; to be lamented; sorrowful; pitiable; as, a lamentable misfortune, or error. 3. (a.) Miserable; pitiful; paltry; -- in a contemptuous or ridiculous sense. Strong's Hebrew 6088. atsab -- to pain, grieve... lamentable. (Aramaic) corresponding to atsab; to afflict -- lamentable. see HEBREW atsab. 6087b, 6088. atsab. 6089 . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/6088.htm - 6k Library But Lamentable as this Is, the Letter of Scripture Has Been So ... On the Lamentable Separation of the Grave. A Mournful Exclamation and Lamentable Moan to God for the Small ... On the Everlasting Pains of Hell. "And the Life. " How Christ is the Life. How Deceitful the Love of this World Is, and How Amiable God Is. How the Soul Attains Hearty Repentance and Gentle Pardon under the ... From the Fond Caresses which the Soul Has Has with God Beneath the ... On Wednesday, or at Sext. Epistle Xli. To Castorius, Bishop. Thesaurus Lamentable (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Mourning; sorrowful; expressing grief; as, a lamentable countenance. ... Multi-Version Concordance Lamentable (1 Occurrence). ... /l/lamentable.htm - 7k Lament (44 Occurrences) Lamentation (45 Occurrences) Tone (9 Occurrences) Dire (1 Occurrence) Pitiable (2 Occurrences) Pitiful (5 Occurrences) Corinthians (3 Occurrences) Anguished (3 Occurrences) Resources How should Christians respond to global poverty and hunger? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the Enlightenment, and what impact did it have on Christianity? | GotQuestions.org What is the “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” sermon? | GotQuestions.org Lamentable: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Lamentable (1 Occurrence)Daniel 6:20 Subtopics Related Terms Threshingfloor (18 Occurrences) |