Lamentations 3:57

KJV

Thou drewest near in the day [that] I called upon thee: thou saidst, Fear not.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou drewest near {H7126} in the day {H3117} that I called {H7121} upon thee: thou saidst {H559}, Fear {H3372} not.

Complete Jewish Bible

You came near when I called to you; you said, "Don't be afraid."

Berean Standard Bible

You drew near when I called on You; You said, “Do not be afraid.”

American Standard Version

Thou drewest near in the day that I called upon thee; thou saidst, Fear not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 3:57 stands as a powerful testament to God's immediate and comforting presence in times of profound distress. Emerging from a chapter steeped in the prophet's personal and national suffering, this verse marks a pivotal shift, declaring that in the very moment of desperate prayer, the Lord drew near and spoke words of peace and assurance, dispelling fear. It encapsulates the divine responsiveness to human cries, affirming God's active engagement and unwavering faithfulness even amidst the deepest valleys of despair.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Lamentations 3:57 is situated within the heart of the book of Lamentations, a collection of five poetic laments mourning the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BC and the subsequent exile of the Jewish people. While much of the book is characterized by profound sorrow, national confession of sin, and vivid descriptions of suffering, Chapter 3 is unique. Often referred to as the "heart" of Lamentations, it shifts from corporate lament to a more personal reflection by the prophet (traditionally Jeremiah). After detailing immense personal affliction and despair in the opening verses, the prophet makes a profound theological pivot in verses 21-26, affirming God's unfailing mercies, steadfast love, and faithfulness. This declaration serves as the theological bedrock for the subsequent expressions of hope and renewed trust, culminating in the personal testimony of divine intervention found in verse 57. The verse thus functions as a concrete example of the hope articulated earlier in the chapter, demonstrating that God's compassion truly is new every morning, even in the darkest night.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Lamentations is the catastrophic fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC, a cataclysmic event that shattered the national and religious identity of Judah. The city, the Temple (God's dwelling place), and the Davidic monarchy—cornerstones of Israelite theology—were utterly destroyed. The people were either killed, starved, or deported to Babylon. This period was one of unprecedented national trauma, challenging the very understanding of God's covenant promises. Culturally, lament was a recognized and vital form of expression in the ancient Near East, allowing individuals and communities to process grief, express despair, and appeal to their deity. The prophet, deeply embedded in this cultural context, articulates the collective anguish while simultaneously wrestling with theological questions of divine justice, punishment, and ultimately, hope. The "day that I called upon thee" likely refers to a specific, intense moment of personal or national crisis during this period of immense suffering, where the prophet's cry was met with a tangible sense of God's presence and comfort.
* **Key Themes:** Lamentations 3:57 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Responsiveness**, underscoring that God is not a distant or indifferent deity but one who actively draws near to His suffering people. This counters the pervasive sense of abandonment felt by the exiles, reinforcing the truth that God hears and answers prayer, as seen in the psalmist's declaration in [Psalm 116:1-2](/psalms/116-1 "Psalm 116:1-2 - God Hears Prayer"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Divine Comfort and Assurance**, particularly through God's direct command, "Fear not." This phrase is a recurring divine utterance throughout Scripture, serving as a powerful antidote to human fear and despair, often accompanied by a promise of God's presence and help, echoing the comfort found in [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - God's Promise to Strengthen and Help"). Lastly, it profoundly illustrates the **Efficacy of Prayer**, demonstrating that the act of crying out to God is a direct conduit to experiencing His intervention and peace. The prophet's experience affirms that even in the most desperate circumstances, prayer is not futile but elicits God's active engagement and comforting presence, a truth echoed in [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Peace Through Prayer").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **drewest near (Hebrew, _qârab'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to approach" or "to bring near" for whatever purpose. This word signifies an intentional, active movement towards someone or something. In the context of Lamentations 3:57, it denotes God's deliberate and personal act of coming into the presence of the suffering prophet. It's not a passive nearness but an engaged, purposeful proximity, indicating a divine initiative to respond to the cry of His servant.
* **called (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to call out to," often implying addressing by name or invoking. It encompasses a wide variety of applications, including crying out, inviting, proclaiming, or mentioning. Here, it refers to the prophet's earnest, desperate cry for divine intervention and help. It highlights the human initiative in prayer, which precedes and elicits God's drawing near. This "calling" is a direct, personal appeal to God in a moment of dire need.
* **Fear not (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to fear," but also morally, "to revere" or causatively, "to frighten." In this imperative form ("Fear not"), it is a direct divine command to dispel apprehension, dread, or terror. It is a profound declaration of God's protective presence and control, designed to instill confidence and peace in the one who is afraid. This divine utterance serves as a powerful antidote to the natural human response of fear in the face of overwhelming adversity and is often coupled with a promise of help or presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou drewest near in the day that I called upon thee":** This clause establishes a direct, cause-and-effect relationship between the prophet's desperate prayer and God's immediate response. The phrase "in the day" emphasizes the immediacy and specificity of the divine intervention—it was precisely *when* the prophet cried out that God acted. The verb "drewest near" (qarab) signifies God's active, intentional, and personal approach to the suffering individual, indicating His intimate involvement and attentiveness to the cries of His people. It speaks to a tangible experience of God's presence in a moment of profound vulnerability and need.
* **"thou saidst, Fear not."** This second clause reveals the nature of God's intervention: a direct, verbal assurance that dispels dread. The divine utterance "Fear not" (al-tira) is a powerful, recurring imperative throughout Scripture, always conveying comfort, protection, and a promise of God's sustaining presence. It directly addresses the prophet's (and by extension, the reader's) deepest anxieties, offering peace and confidence in the face of overwhelming circumstances. This spoken word from God is not merely a suggestion but a divine decree that brings about the very peace it commands, demonstrating God's sovereign power over human emotions and circumstances.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 3:57 employs several potent literary devices that amplify its message of hope and divine comfort. The most prominent is **Personification**, where God is depicted with human-like actions: "Thou drewest near" and "thou saidst." This anthropomorphism makes God's interaction feel incredibly personal and immediate, emphasizing His active engagement with human suffering rather than a distant, impassive deity. There is also a strong element of **Direct Address**, as the prophet speaks directly to God ("Thou drewest near," "I called upon thee," "thou saidst"). This intimate form of address underscores the personal nature of the relationship between the suffering individual and their compassionate God. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful **Affirmation** or **Testimony**, as the prophet recounts a specific, transformative experience of divine intervention. This personal testimony serves as a beacon of hope, contrasting sharply with the earlier expressions of despair in the chapter and providing concrete evidence of God's faithfulness. Finally, the phrase "Fear not" is a classic example of **Divine Assurance**, a recurring motif in biblical literature that provides comfort and strength in the face of overwhelming circumstances, often serving as a divine promise of protection and presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 3:57 is a profound theological statement, affirming God's immanence and responsiveness in the midst of human suffering. It reveals a God who is not aloof but intimately involved in the lives of His people, particularly when they cry out to Him. This verse underscores the biblical truth that prayer is not merely a human monologue but a genuine dialogue with a God who hears, draws near, and speaks peace. It connects to the broader theme of God's covenant faithfulness, demonstrating that even when His people face the consequences of their sin, His compassion does not fail. The "Fear not" command is a recurring divine promise throughout scripture, signifying God's protective presence and His sovereign control over all circumstances, inviting trust even when the future is uncertain.

* [Psalm 34:17-18](/psalms/34-17 "Psalm 34:17-18 - The Lord Hears the Righteous")
* [Isaiah 43:1-2](/isaiah/43-1 "Isaiah 43:1-2 - God's Promise of Presence in Trouble")
* [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 3:57 offers timeless encouragement for believers navigating their own seasons of personal anguish or collective distress. In a world often characterized by anxiety, uncertainty, and feelings of isolation, this verse serves as a powerful anchor, reminding us that our cries are never unheard by God. It invites us to cultivate a posture of radical dependence on Him, knowing that when we call, He not only listens but actively draws near. This drawing near is not always a miraculous removal of the trial, but often a profound infusion of peace, courage, and a tangible sense of His presence that enables us to endure. The divine command "Fear not" is a spiritual imperative to release our anxieties into God's capable hands, trusting in His sovereignty and His unwavering love. It calls us to remember that even in the darkest moments, God's voice of comfort is more powerful than any fear, offering a peace that transcends understanding and empowers us to face whatever comes with divine strength.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to hear God say, "Fear not" today?**
* **How does the assurance that God "drew near" impact your understanding of His character and His relationship with you?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more consistently "call upon" the Lord in your daily life, especially during times of distress?**
* **How might remembering this verse empower you to offer comfort and assurance to others who are experiencing fear or despair?**

### FAQ

**Does God always "draw near" when I call upon Him, even if I don't feel His presence immediately?**

Answer: Yes, the theological truth presented in Lamentations 3:57 is that God is always responsive to the sincere cries of His people. The prophet's experience is a testimony to God's character, not a conditional promise based on our feelings. While we may not always perceive His presence or receive the exact answer we desire in our timing, the Bible consistently affirms that God hears and acts according to His perfect will and love. His "drawing near" might manifest as an inner peace, a new perspective, the comfort of a friend, or a change in circumstances. [Psalm 145:18](/psalms/145-18 "Psalm 145:18 - The Lord is Near to All Who Call on Him") assures us that "The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth."

**How does "Fear not" apply when circumstances remain difficult or even worsen after prayer?**

Answer: The command "Fear not" is not a guarantee of immediate circumstantial change, but rather an assurance of God's presence and sovereignty *within* those circumstances. It is an invitation to trust in God's character and His ultimate control, even when the path ahead seems daunting or the trial persists. God's "Fear not" often provides the inner strength and peace to endure, to walk through the valley without succumbing to despair. It redirects our focus from the overwhelming problem to the all-sufficient God, echoing the sentiment found in [John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World") where Jesus says, "In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamentations 3:57 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of God "drawing near" to humanity, for in the Incarnation, God Himself stepped into our broken world, taking on human flesh to dwell among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Jesus consistently demonstrated His willingness to draw near to the suffering, the outcast, and the desperate, whether healing the sick, comforting the grieving, or forgiving sins. He is the very answer to humanity's cry, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Furthermore, Jesus is the ultimate voice of "Fear not." He repeatedly spoke these words to His disciples in moments of fear and uncertainty, from calming the storm ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")) to assuring them of His resurrection ([Matthew 28:10](/matthew/28-10 "Matthew 28:10 - Jesus Appears to the Women")). His death on the cross and triumphant resurrection conquer the ultimate fears of sin, death, and separation from God. Through Him, we have access to the Father, enabling us to "draw near with confidence to the throne of grace" ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")). The Holy Spirit, the Comforter whom Jesus sent ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Advocate")), continues to draw near to believers, speaking peace and dispelling fear in every generation, making the promise of Lamentations 3:57 a living reality for all who call upon the name of the Lord.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 41:10

¶ Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

James 4:8

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [ye] double minded.

Isaiah 58:9

Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I [am]. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;

Revelation 2:10

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast [some] of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

Isaiah 41:14

Fear not, thou worm Jacob, [and] ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 43:1

¶ But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called [thee] by thy name; thou [art] mine.

Isaiah 43:2

When thou passest through the waters, I [will be] with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.