Read Lamentations 2.
Jeremiah is often called the "weeping prophet." He wept over his country's sin and their refusal to repent. Here, in this second of five funeral poems for Jerusalem, he cried until he could do so no longer (v.11). What he observed caused him to be sick to his stomach.
In the opening verses, Jeremiah made it clear that it was the LORD Himself who inflicted this destruction. He did so out of anger (v.1), without mercy (v.2), in His wrath (v.2), like an enemy (v.4), and in fierce indignation (v.6). The prophet itemized the losses one by one from the fires, as the Babylonians burned the city, to the killing of many, to the city walls, gates and Temple that were destroyed.
The preacher was at a loss for words (v.13). What could he possibly say now? He had warned them that this was coming if they did not turn back to God. But, at this point, there seemed to be nothing he could say that would bring comfort and healing.
Even the law of Moses with its priests and the prophets were no longer operative (v.9). In truth, the people had ignored God's word for a long time, except to go through the motions of certain rituals and festivals to their liking. However, had they taken heed to God's word, they would have known of these consequences. A thousand years before, in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28, God told them their disobedience would bring such results. With uncanny precision, what God said came true.
"The LORD has done what he purposed; he has carried out his word, which he commanded long ago; he has thrown down without pity; he has made the enemy rejoice over you and exalted the might of your foes." (v.17)
The daily, moment by moment, kindness of God should move us to turn from sin to holy living.
"Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?" (Romans 2:4)
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