HOPE AMIDST THE RUINS
Dr. David Arnow
The Book of Lamentations situates its short discourse on hope in a covenantal theology. God doles out reward and punishment depending on the extent of Israel’ s faithfulness, but through repentance, Israel hopes to regain God’ s favor. Though I subscribe to a theology in which the outcome of human affairs lies in human rather than divine hands, we can nonetheless glean useful insights about hope from Lamentations. First, I’ ll review Lamentations’ hope and then consider how we can apply it to our time. I’ ll conclude with some words about the echoes of Oct. 7 and Gaza in Lamentations.
The indictment against Judah is clear.“ God has done what was purposed, carrying out the decree that had been ordained long ago, and tearing down without pity”( 2:17).“ We have transgressed and rebelled and You have not forgiven”( 3:42).“ The guilt of my poor people exceeded the iniquity of Sodom”( 4:6).
God’ s punishment is brutal.“ All her inhabitants sigh as they search for bread … to keep themselves alive”( 1:11).“ In blazing Anger [ God ] has cut down all the might of Israel”( 2:3).“ Prostrate in the streets lie both young and old. My maidens and youths are fallen by the sword”( 2:21).“ Better off were the slain of the sword than those slain by famine …”( 4:9).
Yet hope persists.“ But this do I call to mind, therefore I have hope: The kindness of God has not ended”( 3:21-22).“’ God is my portion,’ I say with a full heart; This is the One in whom I have hope( 3:24).“ Perhaps there is hope”( 3:29).“ For the Sovereign does not reject forever. But first afflicts, then
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