Lamentations 3:35

Lamentations 3:35 KJV speaks to the grave sin of perverting justice and denying individuals their rightful due, emphasizing that such acts are committed directly "before the face of the most High." This verse highlights God's omnipresence and His ultimate awareness of all human actions, particularly those that violate fairness and righteousness.

Context of Lamentations 3:35

The Book of Lamentations is a sorrowful reflection on the destruction of Jerusalem and the suffering of its people following the Babylonian conquest in 586 BC. Chapter 3, often attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, shifts from a collective lament to a more personal one, though it deeply resonates with the nation's plight. Amidst profound despair, the chapter also expresses a powerful hope in God's enduring mercy and faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23). Verses 34-36 specifically condemn various forms of oppression and injustice, asserting that the Lord does not approve of or sanction such wickedness, even in the midst of His judgments.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Justice and Oversight: The phrase "before the face of the most High" underscores God's absolute awareness and ultimate authority. No act of injustice, however hidden from human eyes, escapes His notice. He is the supreme judge who sees and ultimately holds all accountable. This is a core theme throughout scripture, such as in Hebrews 4:13.
• Perversion of Justice: "To turn aside the right of a man" refers to distorting, denying, or perverting what is just and lawful. This can involve corrupt legal proceedings, biased judgments, or any action that unjustly deprives someone of their rights or property. Such acts are an affront to God's character, as He is inherently just (Deuteronomy 32:4).
• Accountability for Injustice: The verse implies that those who commit such injustices will face divine reckoning. God does not sanction (Lamentations 3:36) or approve of oppression, even when He allows suffering for other purposes. This serves as a warning against abusing power or authority.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "turn aside" is natah (נטה), which can mean to stretch out, incline, or bend, but in this context, it carries the strong connotation of perverting or distorting justice. The word for "right" is mishpat (משפט), which encompasses justice, judgment, ordinance, or what is due according to law or custom. It signifies a just ruling or due process. "Most High" is Elyon (עליון), a majestic title for God emphasizing His exalted, supreme position and sovereignty over all creation and human affairs.

Practical Application

Lamentations 3:35 holds profound relevance for contemporary society. It calls believers to:

• Advocate for Justice: Recognizing that God sees and abhors the perversion of justice should motivate us to speak out against and actively work to rectify injustices in legal systems, social structures, and personal interactions. This aligns with the biblical call to "do justly and to love mercy".
• Live Righteously: It serves as a reminder for individuals to conduct their own affairs with integrity, fairness, and respect for the rights of others, knowing that every action is "before the face of the most High."
• Trust in God's Sovereignty: Even when human justice fails, this verse offers comfort that God is aware and will ultimately ensure true justice prevails, though His timing may differ from ours.