Lamentations 5:1

KJV

¶ Remember, O LORD, what is come upon us: consider, and behold our reproach.

KJV (with Strong's)

Remember {H2142}, O LORD {H3068}, what is come upon us: consider {H5027}, and behold {H7200} our reproach {H2781}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Remember, ADONAI, what has happened to us; look, and see our disgrace.

Berean Standard Bible

Remember, O LORD, what has happened to us. Look and see our disgrace!

American Standard Version

Remember, O Jehovah, what is come upon us: Behold, and see our reproach.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 5:1 opens the final chapter of this profound book with a desperate communal plea from the exiled people of Judah to the Lord. It encapsulates their overwhelming suffering, deep humiliation, and urgent cry for divine intervention. This verse is a direct, unfiltered appeal to God, imploring Him to actively acknowledge and respond to the catastrophic events and the resulting shame that has befallen His covenant people, seeking His active remembrance and compassionate regard.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Lamentations 5:1 marks a significant shift in the book's literary structure. While the preceding four chapters are acrostic poems, each meticulously structured around the Hebrew alphabet, Chapter 5 abandons this formal constraint. It is a direct, collective prayer, functioning as a communal petition that summarizes the comprehensive suffering detailed in the earlier laments. This change in form emphasizes the raw, unmediated nature of the people's cry, presenting their grievances and pleas for restoration directly to God without the poetic artifice of the preceding chapters. It serves as a concluding, urgent appeal, bringing the cumulative weight of their desolation before the divine throne.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This verse is set against the backdrop of one of the most traumatic periods in Israelite history: the destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple by the Babylonian Empire in 586 BC, followed by the Babylonian exile. The fall of Jerusalem was not merely a military defeat; it represented the collapse of their national identity, the loss of their sacred space where God's presence dwelt, and the perceived failure of God's covenant promises. In the ancient Near East, military defeat was often interpreted as the defeat of a nation's god. Thus, "our reproach" carried immense weight, signifying not only physical suffering and enslavement but also profound shame, public humiliation, and the mocking scorn of surrounding nations who would attribute their downfall to the weakness or abandonment by their God. The people's cry for God to "remember" and "consider" their plight is therefore an appeal for Him to vindicate His own name and restore His people's honor.
* **Key Themes:** Lamentations 5:1 introduces several major theological and narrative themes prevalent throughout the book and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Judgment and its Consequences**, as the suffering described is understood as a direct result of Israel's covenant disobedience, as prophesied in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). The verse also highlights **Communal Lament and Petition**, demonstrating the corporate nature of Israelite worship and their shared experience of suffering. Despite the despair, there is an underlying theme of **Hope in God's Character**, as the very act of appealing to the "LORD" (Yahweh, the covenant God) implies a belief in His faithfulness and ability to intervene, even in judgment. The "reproach" they endure underscores the theme of **Shame and Humiliation**, a significant aspect of their tribulation, which resonates with the broader biblical narrative of God's people enduring scorn for His name, as seen in [Psalm 44:13-16](/psalms/44-13-16 "Psalm 44:13-16 - God's People Endure Reproach").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Remember (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** H2142, a primitive root, meaning to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention. In biblical usage, especially when applied to God, "remembering" is not merely a cognitive recall but an active, decisive engagement that leads to intervention or action. The plea for God to "remember" is thus a fervent request for Him to act on their behalf, to acknowledge their suffering and respond with His covenant faithfulness.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** H3068, derived from "to be," signifying "the self-Existent or Eternal." This is the sacred, covenant name of God, Yahweh. By addressing God as "LORD," the supplicants appeal to His unchanging character, His covenant promises, and His sovereign power, reminding Him of His relationship with Israel despite their current state of judgment and exile.
* **reproach (Hebrew, _cherpâh'_):** H2781, meaning contumely, disgrace, shame, or rebuke. This term signifies a deep sense of humiliation, public scorn, and the loss of honor. For ancient Israel, defeat and exile brought immense "reproach" from surrounding nations, implying that their God was either powerless or had abandoned them. The people's suffering was not merely physical but profoundly social and spiritual, marked by this pervasive shame.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Remember, O LORD,"**: This opening clause is a direct, impassioned imperative addressed to God by His covenant name. It is a desperate cry for God to actively recall His relationship with His people and to intervene on their behalf. The "¶" in the KJV often indicates a new paragraph or section, highlighting the beginning of this final, distinct lament.
* **"what is come upon us:"**: This phrase succinctly encapsulates the totality of their catastrophic suffering—the siege, famine, destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, slaughter, and exile. The "us" emphasizes the communal nature of this suffering, affecting every aspect of their national and individual lives. It is a stark presentation of their dire circumstances to God.
* **"consider, and behold our reproach."**: This second imperative clause reinforces the initial plea with a double emphasis. "Consider" (Hebrew, _nâbaṭ'_) means to look intently, to regard with pleasure, favor, or care. "Behold" (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_) means to see, discern, or perceive. Together, they form a powerful request for God to not only observe their suffering but to truly comprehend and act upon the deep shame and humiliation ("reproach") they are experiencing. It is an appeal for divine empathy and redemptive action in the face of their profound disgrace.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 5:1 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the depth of Israel's anguish. The most prominent is **Apostrophe**, a direct address to an absent or personified entity, in this case, God ("O LORD"). This immediate and personal address underscores the urgency and desperation of the communal prayer, establishing a direct line of communication between the suffering people and their sovereign God. The phrase "consider, and behold" exemplifies **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where two phrases express a similar idea using different words. This repetition intensifies the plea, emphasizing the people's desire for God to not merely observe their plight but to truly take it to heart and act. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a concise **Litany** of suffering, setting the tone for the detailed list of woes that follow in the rest of Chapter 5. The use of the **Imperative Mood** ("Remember," "consider," "behold") transforms the lament from mere complaint into an active, bold petition, reflecting a persistent faith that God is capable of hearing and responding.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 5:1 serves as a profound theological statement about the nature of God, suffering, and prayer. It affirms God's sovereignty even in judgment, acknowledging that their calamity "is come upon us" by divine allowance or decree. Yet, it simultaneously appeals to His covenant faithfulness, believing that the God who judges is also the God who remembers and restores. The plea for God to "remember" and "behold our reproach" is a deep theological cry for vindication and restoration of honor, not just for Israel, but for God's own name, which has been reproached among the nations due to Israel's downfall. This reflects a persistent hope that God's ultimate purpose is redemptive, even when His immediate action is punitive. The suffering described here, particularly the "reproach," foreshadows the trials and tribulations faced by God's people throughout history, culminating in the ultimate reproach borne by Christ.

* [Psalm 74:18-22](/psalms/74-18-22 "Psalm 74:18-22 - Remember Your Reproach")
* [Isaiah 49:15-16](/isaiah/49-15-16 "Isaiah 49:15-16 - God Will Not Forget Zion")
* [Micah 7:7-10](/micah/7-7-10 "Micah 7:7-10 - God Will Bring Me Out to the Light")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 5:1 offers a timeless model for approaching God in times of profound distress, shame, and perceived abandonment. It teaches us the importance of raw honesty in prayer, encouraging us to lay bare our deepest pain, humiliation, and confusion before the Lord without pretense. The Israelites did not sugarcoat their suffering; they presented it directly and explicitly. This verse reminds us that even when we feel forgotten or overwhelmed by the consequences of our actions or the brokenness of the world, we can appeal to God's unchanging character and His covenant faithfulness. Our hope is not in our ability to endure but in God's willingness to "consider, and behold" our circumstances and act on our behalf. It is a call to persistent, bold prayer, trusting that the God who allowed the suffering is also the God who hears the cries of His people and will ultimately bring about restoration and vindication.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel "reproach" or deep shame, and how can you bring that honestly before God in prayer?**
* **What does it mean for God to "remember" your situation, and how does this understanding impact your trust in Him during difficult times?**
* **How does the communal nature of this lament encourage you to pray not just for yourself but for the collective suffering of others or your community?**

### FAQ
**Why does the text ask God to "remember" if God is omniscient and knows everything?**

Answer: The biblical concept of God "remembering" (Hebrew: *zâkar*) is far more profound than simple cognitive recollection. It's not about God gaining new information or recalling something He had forgotten. Instead, when the Bible speaks of God remembering, it signifies His active engagement, His turning His attention to a situation with the intent to intervene, fulfill a promise, or bring about a change. For instance, in [Exodus 2:24](/exodus/2-24 "Exodus 2:24 - God Remembers His Covenant"), God "remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob," which immediately led to the deliverance of Israel from Egypt. In Lamentations 5:1, the plea is for God to actively recall His covenant relationship with Israel, to acknowledge their suffering, and to decisively act to alleviate their "reproach" and restore them, demonstrating His faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamentations 5:1, with its cry for God to "remember" and "behold our reproach," finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Israel's suffering and shame, a consequence of their sin and a type of the world's brokenness, are profoundly addressed in the Lamb of God. Jesus, the true Israel, perfectly bore the ultimate "reproach" (Hebrew: *cherpâh*) not for His own sin, but for the sins of humanity. He was despised and rejected by men, enduring the scorn and humiliation of the cross, where He became a "reproach" for us ([Psalm 22:6](/psalms/22-6 "Psalm 22:6 - A Reproach of Men")). In His suffering, He absorbed the full weight of the "reproach" that was due to us, making a way for our reconciliation with God. Furthermore, God's "remembrance" of His covenant people is perfectly embodied in Christ's intercession and His promise to never forget His own. Just as God heard the lament of Israel, He hears the cries of His people through Christ, who ever lives to make intercession for them ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")). The hope for restoration and vindication expressed in Lamentations 5:1 is realized in Christ's resurrection and His future return, when He will wipe away every tear and bring about a new heavens and a new earth where reproach and suffering are no more ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears or Pain")).

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

Psalms 44:13

Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us.

Psalms 44:16

For the voice of him that reproacheth and blasphemeth; by reason of the enemy and avenger.

Psalms 89:50

Remember, Lord, the reproach of thy servants; [how] I do bear in my bosom [the reproach of] all the mighty people;

Psalms 89:51

Wherewith thine enemies have reproached, O LORD; wherewith they have reproached the footsteps of thine anointed.

Lamentations 3:61

Thou hast heard their reproach, O LORD, [and] all their imaginations against me;

Nehemiah 4:4

Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity:

Psalms 74:10

O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever?