Lamentations 3:21

ยถ This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.

This I recall {H7725} to my mind {H3820}, therefore have I hope {H3176}.

But in my mind I keep returning to something, something that gives me hope -

Yet I call this to mind, and therefore I have hope:

This I recall to my mind; therefore have I hope.

Commentary

Lamentations 3:21 marks a pivotal turning point in the Book of Lamentations, a collection of poetic laments traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah. Following a lengthy description of profound suffering and despair over the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile, this verse introduces a sudden, deliberate shift towards hope.

Context

The Book of Lamentations vividly portrays the grief and desolation experienced by the people of Judah after the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon in 586 BC. Jeremiah, often called "the weeping prophet," expresses the collective anguish of a nation devastated by sin and divine judgment. Chapters 1 and 2 detail the horrific consequences of the siege and exile. Chapter 3, often seen as Jeremiah's personal lament, delves into the depths of individual suffering (Lamentations 3:1-20). However, verse 21 acts as a spiritual pivot, demonstrating a conscious act of the will to recall something that can ignite hope even in the darkest circumstances.

Key Themes

  • Hope in Adversity: The verse powerfully illustrates that hope is not merely a feeling but can be a deliberate choice, found even when circumstances are overwhelmingly bleak. It's a testament to spiritual resilience.
  • The Power of Remembrance: The phrase "This I recall to my mind" highlights the active and intentional nature of finding hope. It's an exercise in remembering God's character and past faithfulness, rather than dwelling solely on present pain.
  • Divine Faithfulness as the Source: While not stated explicitly in this verse, the "this" that sparks hope is immediately clarified in the verses that follow, specifically the Lord's mercies, which are not consumed, and His compassions that fail not, being new every morning. This foundational truth about God's unchanging nature is the bedrock of the prophet's renewed hope.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "recall to my mind" is shuv el libbi (ืฉืื•ึผื‘ ืึถืœ ืœึดื‘ึผึดื™), which literally means "return to my heart" or "bring back to my heart." This emphasizes that the act of remembrance is not just intellectual but deeply internal and intentional. It's a conscious redirection of one's thoughts and emotions from despair to a truth that resides within the heart, leading to a profound shift in perspective.

Practical Application

Lamentations 3:21 offers a timeless message for anyone facing overwhelming difficulties. It teaches that while suffering is real and painful, our outlook is significantly influenced by what we choose to dwell upon. When despair threatens to consume us, we can actively and intentionally shift our focus to God's unchanging character: His mercy, compassion, and faithfulness. This conscious act of remembrance can be a powerful spiritual discipline, enabling us to cultivate hope even when circumstances offer little immediate comfort. It's a reminder that hope can be forged through perseverance in suffering, by fixing our minds on eternal truths rather than temporary trials.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Habakkuk 2:3

    For the vision [is] yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

  • Psalms 130:7

    Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD [there is] mercy, and with him [is] plenteous redemption.

  • Psalms 77:7

    Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more?

  • Psalms 77:11

    ยถ I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.

  • Psalms 119:81

    ยถ CAPH. My soul fainteth for thy salvation: [but] I hope in thy word.

  • Lamentations 3:24

    The LORD [is] my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

  • Lamentations 3:29

    He putteth his mouth in the dust; if so be there may be hope.
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