You have seen all their maliceThis phrase acknowledges God's omniscience, emphasizing that He is fully aware of the intentions and actions of those who harbor ill will. In the context of Lamentations, Jeremiah is lamenting the destruction of Jerusalem and the suffering of its people. The malice refers to the hostility and betrayal by enemies, possibly including the Babylonians who besieged the city. This echoes the sentiment found in
Psalm 139:1-4, where God's intimate knowledge of human thoughts and actions is highlighted. Theologically, it reassures believers that God is not indifferent to injustice and wrongdoing.
all their plots against me
The phrase "plots against me" suggests a deliberate and strategic effort to harm. Historically, Jeremiah faced opposition from his own people, including false prophets and leaders who rejected his warnings. This reflects the broader theme of persecution faced by God's prophets, as seen in the lives of figures like Elijah and Daniel. The plotting against Jeremiah can be seen as a type of the opposition Jesus faced from religious leaders, as described in the Gospels (e.g.,Matthew 26:3-4). This connection underscores the idea that God's servants often endure suffering and opposition, yet God remains aware and sovereign over these circumstances.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jeremiah- Traditionally considered the author of Lamentations, Jeremiah is known as the "weeping prophet." He laments the destruction of Jerusalem and the suffering of his people.
2.
Jerusalem- The city that has been destroyed by the Babylonians, serving as the backdrop for the book of Lamentations.
3.
Babylonians- The foreign power that conquered Jerusalem, leading to the exile of the Jewish people.
4.
God- The ultimate observer and judge, who sees the injustices and plots against His people.
5.
Enemies of Israel- Those who have taken vengeance and plotted against the people of God, contributing to their suffering.
Teaching Points
God's OmniscienceGod sees all things, including the injustices and plots against His people. This should comfort believers, knowing that nothing escapes His notice.
Trust in Divine JusticeBelievers are encouraged to trust in God's justice rather than seeking personal revenge. God is the righteous judge who will address wrongs in His perfect timing.
Endurance in SufferingLike Jeremiah, believers may face plots and vengeance from others. Endurance and faithfulness in such times are crucial, trusting that God is aware and will act.
Prayer for DeliveranceIn times of distress, believers should turn to God in prayer, expressing their struggles and trusting Him for deliverance.
Hope in God's FaithfulnessDespite the suffering and plots against them, believers can have hope in God's faithfulness and His ultimate plan for redemption and restoration.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Lamentations 3:60?
2.How does Lamentations 3:60 encourage trust in God's justice over personal revenge?
3.What does Lamentations 3:60 reveal about God's awareness of our adversities?
4.How can Lamentations 3:60 deepen our understanding of God's role as a judge?
5.Connect Lamentations 3:60 with Romans 12:19 on vengeance and God's justice.
6.How can we apply the trust in God's justice from Lamentations 3:60 today?
7.How does Lamentations 3:60 address the concept of divine justice and retribution?
8.What historical context influenced the writing of Lamentations 3:60?
9.How does Lamentations 3:60 reflect the overall theme of suffering in Lamentations?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Lamentations 3?
11.How should we respond to betrayal and deceit?
12.Who was Kedar in the Bible?
13.What does the Bible say about dealing with angst?
14.Does the urgency implied in Psalm 70:1 conflict with the concept of an eternal, unchanging God?What Does Lamentations 3:60 Mean
You have seenNothing escapes the Lord’s notice. Jeremiah, the human author, finds comfort in God’s omniscience.
• The eyes of the LORD “are in every place” (Proverbs 15:3), so He witnesses both righteousness and wickedness.
•Psalm 33:13-15 reminds us that He “looks down from heaven… He observes all who dwell on the earth.”
• When believers feel unnoticed,2 Chronicles 16:9 assures us that “the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro … to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him.”
Because God sees, He can act with perfect justice and perfect timing.
all their maliceGod records every hostile attitude directed at His servant.
•Psalm 10:11-14 shows the wicked assuming God will not see, yet the psalmist declares, “You have seen it, for You observe trouble and grief.”
•Isaiah 59:15 says, “The LORD looked and was displeased that there was no justice,” revealing His concern over malicious oppression.
• By recognizing that God already knows the extent of human cruelty, we are freed from trying to expose or avenge it ourselves (Romans 12:19).
all their plotsSecret schemes are fully visible to the Lord.
•Psalm 64:2-6 speaks of enemies who “shoot from ambush,” but verse 7 declares, “God will shoot them with arrows; suddenly they will be wounded.”
•Psalm 2:1-4 portrays nations plotting in vain against the Lord and His Anointed; God “laughs” at futile conspiracies.
• Mordecai and Esther’s day proves the point: Haman’s hidden plan (Esther 3:8-11) was uncovered and overturned by God.
The verse reassures sufferers that God is already miles ahead of any hidden agenda aimed at them.
against meThe opposition is personal, yet God’s care is equally personal.
•Psalm 56:9: “Then my enemies will retreat on the day I call for help. This I know: God is on my side.”
•Psalm 18:17: “He rescued me from my powerful enemy… for they were too strong for me.”
• When Saul persecuted believers, Jesus asked, “Why do you persecute Me?” (Acts 9:4), showing that hostility toward God’s people is hostility toward God Himself.
InLamentations 3, Jeremiah speaks as an individual, but his words echo every believer who entrusts personal suffering to the Lord.
summaryLamentations 3:60 underscores four linked truths: God sees, He catalogs every act of malice, He knows every secret plot, and He takes every attack against His child as His own concern. The verse invites us to rest, not in ignorance of trouble, but in confidence that the all-seeing Judge holds every wrongdoer accountable and will vindicate His people in His perfect time.
(60)
All their imaginations . . .--Same word as the "devices" of
Jeremiah 11:19;
Jeremiah 18:18, to which the writer obviously refers.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
You seeרָאִ֙יתָה֙(rā·’î·ṯāh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7200:To seeallכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everytheir malice,נִקְמָתָ֔ם(niq·mā·ṯām)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5360:Avengementallכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everytheir plots against me.מַחְשְׁבֹתָ֖ם(maḥ·šə·ḇō·ṯām)Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 4284:A contrivance, a texture, machine, intention, plan
Links
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OT Prophets: Lamentations 3:60 You have seen all their vengeance (Lam. La Lm)