the slander and murmuring of my assailantsIn this phrase, the prophet Jeremiah is expressing the constant verbal attacks he faces. Slander refers to false and damaging statements, while murmuring suggests a low, continuous background noise of discontent. In the context of Lamentations, these words reflect the ongoing hostility Jeremiah experienced from those who opposed his prophetic messages. This mirrors the experiences of other biblical figures, such as David, who also faced slander from enemies (
Psalm 31:13). The cultural context of ancient Israel placed a high value on reputation and honor, making slander a particularly potent form of attack. This phrase also foreshadows the treatment of Jesus Christ, who was slandered and falsely accused by religious leaders (
Matthew 26:59-61).
against me
Jeremiah personalizes the attacks, indicating that they are directed specifically at him. This personal persecution is a common theme in the lives of prophets, who often stood alone in delivering God's messages. The phrase highlights the isolation and burden of prophetic ministry. Jeremiah's experience is reminiscent of the "suffering servant" inIsaiah 53, who bears the sins and reproaches of others. This personal suffering can be seen as a type of Christ, who bore the ultimate rejection and slander for the sake of humanity.
all day long
The phrase "all day long" emphasizes the relentless nature of the persecution. It suggests that the attacks are not sporadic but continuous, contributing to the prophet's sense of despair and weariness. This unending opposition is a common experience for those who stand for truth in a world that often rejects it. The persistence of the attacks can be compared to the constant temptations and trials faced by Jesus during His earthly ministry (Luke 4:13). The phrase also serves as a reminder of the endurance required in the face of ongoing adversity, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their faith.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JeremiahTraditionally 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.
AssailantsThese are the enemies or adversaries of Jeremiah and the people of Judah, who mock and speak against them.
3.
JerusalemThe city that has been destroyed, leading to the lamentations and sorrow expressed in this book.
4.
Babylonian ExileThe historical context of Lamentations, where the people of Judah were taken captive by the Babylonians.
5.
God's JudgmentThe overarching event that has led to the lament, as the destruction of Jerusalem is seen as a result of God's judgment on the people's sins.
Teaching Points
Endurance in PersecutionJust as Jeremiah faced constant opposition, believers today may encounter verbal attacks or slander. We are called to endure and remain faithful, trusting in God's justice.
The Power of WordsThe "whispering" of assailants highlights the destructive power of words. As Christians, we should be mindful of our speech, using words to build up rather than tear down.
God's Sovereignty in TrialsEven in the midst of suffering and opposition, God remains sovereign. Our trials can draw us closer to Him and refine our faith.
Prayer as a ResponseJeremiah's lament is a form of prayer. In times of distress, we should turn to God in prayer, expressing our struggles and seeking His comfort.
Hope Amidst DespairDespite the lament,
Lamentations 3 also contains messages of hope and God's faithfulness. We should hold onto hope, even when circumstances seem dire.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Lamentations 3:62?
2.How can we respond to "whisperings" and "schemes" against us with faith?
3.What does Lamentations 3:62 teach about enduring false accusations?
4.How does Jesus' response to His accusers relate to Lamentations 3:62?
5.How can prayer help us handle "whisperings" and "schemes" from others?
6.What steps can we take to trust God amidst "whisperings" and "schemes"?
7.What is the historical context of Lamentations 3:62?
8.How does Lamentations 3:62 reflect God's justice?
9.What is the significance of "whispered defiance" in Lamentations 3:62?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Lamentations 3?
11.What does the Bible say about dealing with angst?
12.In Psalm 62, why is there still rampant injustice (verses 3, 9-10) if God truly is the believer's secure refuge?
13.In James 5:9, how can believers reconcile the warning against grumbling with other biblical passages that encourage honest lament or complaint (e.g., in the Psalms)?
14.Does Lamentations 3 truly reflect historical events, or is there a lack of archaeological evidence to support such profound devastation?What Does Lamentations 3:62 Mean
the slanderThe phrase begins with a charge of false and malicious speech. Slander is deliberate untruth aimed at destroying someone’s reputation. Jeremiah, the traditional author of Lamentations, experienced this relentlessly.Psalm 31:13 echoes the same heart-cry: “For I hear the whispering of many; terror is on every side”.Proverbs 10:18 warns, “Whoever spreads slander is a fool.” Jesus affirmed the believer’s lot inMatthew 5:11: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.”
• God hears every lie uttered (Psalm 12:3–4).
• He promises vindication for the upright (1 Peter 3:16).
• The believer’s reputation is safest in the Lord’s keeping (Psalm 37:5–6).
and murmuring“Murmuring” adds the idea of whispered grumbling and secret plotting.Psalm 41:7 paints the picture: “All who hate me whisper together against me; they imagine the worst for me”.Philippians 2:14 calls God’s people to the opposite spirit: “Do everything without complaining or arguing.”Luke 15:2 shows the Pharisees “grumbling” at Jesus’ mercy.
• Murmuring feeds discontent and fuels rebellion (Numbers 14:2).
• The tongue reveals the heart (Luke 6:45).
• God commands His children to replace grumbling with gratitude (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
of my assailantsThe opposition is personal and active. “Assailants” are not passive critics but aggressors.Psalm 27:2 says, “When the wicked came against me to devour my flesh, my enemies and foes stumbled and fell”. Paul warned Timothy that persecution is inevitable for the godly (2 Timothy 3:12).
• Spiritual warfare is real (Ephesians 6:12).
• The Lord remains a shield for those pursued (Psalm 3:3).
• Even if enemies surround, God sets a table before His own (Psalm 23:5).
against meTheir attacks are targeted: “against me.” The suffering servant feels isolated. David voiced the same pain: “Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me” (Psalm 35:1). Jesus assured His followers, “If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first” (John 15:18).
• God notices when hostility becomes personal (Isaiah 54:17).
• He invites His people to cast every care on Him (1 Peter 5:7).
• Personal attacks become platforms for personal dependence on the Lord (2 Corinthians 12:10).
all day longThe hostility is continuous.Psalm 56:1–2 mirrors the endurance test: “All day long they oppress and torment me.” Jeremiah was not facing a momentary insult but an unbroken barrage. Yet his hope shines later in the chapter: “Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed” (Lamentations 3:22).
• Constant pressure highlights constant grace (2 Corinthians 4:8–9).
• God’s mercies are new every morning, matching every day’s trials (Lamentations 3:23).
• Perseverance under unending fire bears powerful witness (James 1:12).
summaryLamentations 3:62 captures the prophet’s experience of relentless verbal assault—slanderous lies, whispered schemes, coordinated by determined enemies, aimed personally, and hurled without pause. Yet the wider context reveals that the same God who hears every word of abuse also supplies unfailing mercy, steadfast love, and sure vindication. In seasons when accusations feel nonstop, believers can stand firm, trusting that the Lord both records every injustice and renews their strength “all day long.”
(62)
The lips . . .The organs of speech are used boldly for the words which they uttered, and so stand parallel with "reproaches" in
Lamentations 3:61.
Verse 62. -
The lips stand here for "the fruit of the lips;" and the verb which governs the nouns is "thou hast heard," in the preceding verse.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
the slanderשִׂפְתֵ֤י(śip̄·ṯê)Noun - fdc
Strong's 8193:The lip, language, a marginand murmuringוְהֶגְיוֹנָ֔ם(wə·heḡ·yō·w·nām)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 1902:A murmuring sound, a musical notation, a machinationof my opponentsקָמַי֙(qā·may)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6965:To arise, stand up, standagainst meעָלַ֖י(‘ā·lay)Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstall day long.כָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, every
Links
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OT Prophets: Lamentations 3:62 The lips of those that rose up (Lam. La Lm)