Lamentations 3:36

Context

Lamentations 3:36 is found within a unique chapter in the book of Lamentations. While the preceding and succeeding chapters primarily express deep sorrow and lament over the destruction of Jerusalem and the suffering of its people during the Babylonian exile (around 586 BC), Chapter 3 offers a moment of reflection and a glimmer of hope. The prophet Jeremiah, who is traditionally credited with writing Lamentations, speaks from a place of personal suffering, yet he acknowledges God's faithfulness and justice. This verse, therefore, serves as a powerful affirmation of God's character amidst immense national distress. It reminds the reader that even though God allowed judgment to come upon His people, He himself is not the author or approver of injustice, particularly the kind of legal or societal perversion that often accompanied the oppression they experienced.

Key Themes

• Divine Justice and Righteousness: The core message is that God is inherently just and righteous. He stands firmly against any act that perverts justice or unfairly disadvantages an individual in their rightful cause. This underscores God's moral perfection and His unyielding commitment to fairness.
• Opposition to Injustice: The verse explicitly states God's disapproval of "subverting a man in his cause." This highlights God's active opposition to corruption, manipulation, and the misuse of power within legal or social systems. It speaks to the sanctity of truth and equity in human dealings.
• God's Character as a Standard: Even when His people are suffering due to their own sin or the actions of oppressors, this verse affirms that God's own character remains the unwavering standard of truth and justice. It offers a subtle encouragement that the Lord sees and does not condone the wrongs committed against His people, even if He allows them for a season.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "to subvert a man in his cause" uses the Hebrew term `āwāh` (עָוָה), which means to bend, distort, or make crooked. In this context, it refers to perverting justice, twisting a legal matter, or unfairly overturning someone's rightful claim. It implies a deliberate act of injustice or corruption. The phrase "the Lord approveth not" (Hebrew: `lō' rā'āh`) literally means "He does not see (favorably)" or "He does not look upon (with pleasure)." This signifies strong divine disapproval and a complete lack of endorsement for such wicked practices, emphasizing God's moral revulsion against injustice.

Related Scriptures

• This verse resonates with many other passages in the Old Testament that emphasize God's love for justice and His hatred of injustice. For instance, Proverbs 17:23 warns against taking bribes to pervert justice, aligning with the idea of subverting a cause.
• God's character as a righteous judge is a recurring theme, as seen in Psalm 7:11, which declares that "God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day."
• The prophet Amos powerfully articulates God's demand for social justice, famously stating in Amos 5:24, "But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream." Lamentations 3:36 affirms the divine principle behind such prophetic calls.
• This principle is also upheld in the New Testament, reminding believers to "recompense to no man evil for evil" and to "live peaceably with all men" (Romans 12:17-18), reflecting God's desire for fairness and integrity.

Practical Application

Lamentations 3:36 has profound implications for believers today:

1. Upholding Integrity: It calls us to be people of integrity and fairness in all our dealings, whether in personal disputes, business transactions, or legal matters. We should strive to be truthful and just, even when it is difficult or costly.
2. Advocacy for Justice: This verse encourages us to stand against injustice wherever we encounter it. Knowing that "the Lord approveth not" of perverting a cause should motivate us to speak up for the oppressed, support righteous causes, and seek equitable solutions in society.
3. Comfort in Adversity: For those who have experienced injustice, whether in a legal setting or a personal relationship, this verse offers comfort. It reassures them that God sees the wrong, He does not approve of it, and ultimately, His justice will prevail. It reminds us that our ultimate vindication rests with a righteous God, even if earthly systems fail.