You drew near when I called on You;This phrase highlights the immediacy and intimacy of God's response to prayer. In the context of Lamentations, the author, traditionally believed to be Jeremiah, is expressing a personal experience of God's presence during a time of distress. The historical backdrop is the Babylonian siege and destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, a period of immense suffering and loss for the Israelites. The act of calling on God reflects a deep reliance on Him, consistent with other biblical instances where God responds to the cries of His people, such as in
Psalm 145:18, "The LORD is near to all who call on Him." This nearness of God is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing His readiness to engage with those who seek Him earnestly.
You said, “Do not be afraid.”
This assurance from God is a common biblical refrain, found in numerous passages such asIsaiah 41:10 andJoshua 1:9. It serves as a divine comfort, encouraging believers to trust in God's sovereignty and protection. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, fear was a natural response to the threats of war, exile, and divine judgment. However, God's command to not fear is rooted in His covenant faithfulness and His power to deliver. This phrase also foreshadows the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ, who frequently told His disciples not to fear (e.g.,Matthew 14:27). It underscores the peace that comes from God's presence, a peace that is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who is called "Immanuel," meaning "God with us" (Matthew 1:23).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jeremiah- Traditionally considered the author of Lamentations, Jeremiah is known as the "weeping prophet" who lamented the destruction of Jerusalem and the suffering of his people.
2.
Jerusalem- The city that faced destruction and exile, which is the backdrop for the book of Lamentations.
3.
The Exile- The Babylonian captivity of the Israelites, a period of great distress and lamentation for the Jewish people.
4.
God- The central figure who responds to the cries of His people, offering comfort and assurance.
5.
The Call- Represents the act of prayer and supplication by the faithful, seeking God's presence and intervention.
Teaching Points
God's Nearness in DistressIn times of trouble, God is not distant. He draws near to those who call upon Him, offering His presence and comfort.
The Power of PrayerCalling on God in prayer is a powerful act of faith. It invites His intervention and reassures us of His care and concern.
Fear NotGod's command to "not be afraid" is a recurring theme in Scripture, reminding us that His presence dispels fear and brings peace.
Faith in God's PromisesTrusting in God's promises, like His assurance of nearness and protection, strengthens our faith and provides hope in difficult times.
Encouragement in CommunitySharing testimonies of God's faithfulness can encourage others to call on Him and experience His nearness and peace.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Lamentations 3:57?
2.How does Lamentations 3:57 encourage us to trust God in difficult times?
3.What does "You drew near" reveal about God's response to our prayers?
4.How can we apply "Do not be afraid" in our daily challenges?
5.Which other Bible verses emphasize God's presence in times of distress?
6.How can we cultivate a deeper awareness of God's nearness in our lives?
7.How does Lamentations 3:57 demonstrate God's presence in times of distress?
8.What historical context surrounds Lamentations 3:57 and its message of divine reassurance?
9.How does Lamentations 3:57 align with the overall theme of hope in the book of Lamentations?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Lamentations 3?
11.What is the meaning of a spirit of fear?
12.What does the Bible say about seeking fame?
13.How does David's statement about being driven from the Lord's inheritance align with the belief that God's domain extends beyond any single land? (1 Samuel 26:19)
14.What is the Witch of Endor Bible story about?What Does Lamentations 3:57 Mean
You drew near• The verse begins with an astonishing statement of fact: the Almighty literally came close to the sufferer. In the middle of Jerusalem’s ruin, the writer testifies that God was not distant.
•Psalm 145:18 echoes the same reality: “The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call out to Him in truth”.
•Psalm 34:18 reinforces it: “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the crushed in spirit.”
• This nearness is not abstract; it is the personal presence of the covenant-keeping God who chose to dwell among His people (Exodus 25:8;Ezekiel 48:35).
when I called on You• God’s nearness is linked to prayer. The writer “called,” and the Lord responded.
•Jeremiah 29:12-13 promises the same pattern: “Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart”.
•Psalm 18:6 records David’s identical experience: “In my distress I called upon the LORD… He heard my voice.”
• These passages underline a principle: heartfelt, faith-filled prayer invites the Lord’s immediate attention.
You said• God is not silent; He speaks directly into the crisis.
•Isaiah 41:13 shows the Lord’s speaking presence: “For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.’”
•John 10:27 reminds us that His people still recognize His voice: “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.”
• The Lord’s spoken word carries authority to create, heal, and comfort—so when He speaks, the situation changes (Psalm 33:9).
“Do not be afraid.”• This is Scripture’s most frequent command. It is never an empty cliché; it flows from God’s own presence and power.
•Isaiah 41:10 grounds it in divine strength: “Do not fear, for I am with you… I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
•Joshua 1:9 ties it to obedience and mission: “Be strong and courageous… for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
•Philippians 4:6-7 echoes the same comfort for believers today: replacing anxiety with thankful prayer ushers in “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.”
summaryLamentations 3:57 is a firsthand testimony that the living God comes close, listens attentively, speaks personally, and banishes fear. The writer’s distress did not push the Lord away; it became the very setting in which divine nearness was experienced. For every believer who calls on Him, these words remain literally true: He draws near, He answers, and He quiets the heart with the unchanging assurance, “Do not be afraid.”
Verse 57. -
Thou drewest near, etc. The sacred poet reminds Jehovah of his former gracious interpositions.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
You drew nearקָרַ֙בְתָּ֙(qā·raḇ·tā)Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7126:To come near, approachwhenבְּי֣וֹם(bə·yō·wm)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A dayI called on You;אֶקְרָאֶ֔ךָּ(’eq·rā·’e·kā)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 7121:To call, proclaim, readYou said,אָמַ֖רְתָּ(’ā·mar·tā)Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say“Do notאַל־(’al-)Adverb
Strong's 408:Notbe afraid.”תִּירָֽא׃(tî·rā)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3372:To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten
Links
Lamentations 3:57 NIVLamentations 3:57 NLTLamentations 3:57 ESVLamentations 3:57 NASBLamentations 3:57 KJV
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OT Prophets: Lamentations 3:57 You drew near in the day that (Lam. La Lm)