Thou, O LORD, remainest for ever; thy throne from generation to generation.
Thou, O LORD {H3068}, remainest {H3427} for ever {H5769}; thy throne {H3678} from generation {H1755} to generation {H1755}.
You, ADONAI, reign forever; your throne endures through all generations.
You, O LORD, reign forever; Your throne endures from generation to generation.
Thou, O Jehovah, abidest for ever; Thy throne is from generation to generation.
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Psalms 102:12
¶ But thou, O LORD, shalt endure for ever; and thy remembrance unto all generations. -
Psalms 45:6
¶ Thy throne, O God, [is] for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom [is] a right sceptre. -
Hebrews 1:8
But unto the Son [he saith], Thy throne, O God, [is] for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness [is] the sceptre of thy kingdom. -
Hebrews 1:12
And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. -
Psalms 102:25
Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens [are] the work of thy hands. -
Psalms 102:27
But thou [art] the same, and thy years shall have no end. -
Psalms 145:13
Thy kingdom [is] an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion [endureth] throughout all generations.
Lamentations 5:19 offers a profound declaration of God's eternal nature and enduring reign, serving as a beacon of hope and stability amidst profound despair. It states, "Thou, O LORD, remainest for ever; thy throne from generation to generation." This verse shifts the focus from human suffering and temporal calamities to the unchanging character and sovereignty of God.
Context
The Book of Lamentations is a collection of five poetic laments, or dirges, mourning the catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by the Babylonians in 586 BC, and the subsequent exile of the Jewish people. The final chapter, Lamentations 5, is a communal prayer and plea for restoration, describing the immense suffering, humiliation, and loss endured by the people. Amidst this backdrop of utter devastation and apparent divine abandonment, verse 19 stands out as a powerful confession of faith. It's a theological anchor that reminds the suffering community that while their circumstances are dire and temporary, God's nature and reign are eternal.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew phrase for "remainest for ever" is lâ'ôlâm (לְעוֹלָם), which signifies eternity, perpetuity, or for all time. It conveys a sense of endless duration, highlighting God's timeless existence. Similarly, "from generation to generation" translates the Hebrew l'dor wador (לְדֹר וָדֹר), emphasizing continuous succession and permanence across all ages. Together, these phrases powerfully assert God's absolute eternality and the uninterrupted nature of His reign, providing a stark contrast to the temporary nature of human suffering.
Practical Application
Lamentations 5:19 serves as a vital reminder for believers today. In times of personal crisis, national upheaval, or global uncertainty, this verse reassures us that God's character and reign are steadfast. When everything around us seems to be falling apart, we can find solace and stability in the knowledge that our God "remainest for ever." This truth encourages us to direct our prayers and trust towards Him, knowing that His power and love are eternal and His promises endure. It calls us to fix our gaze not on transient difficulties, but on the unchanging King who rules from an eternal throne. As Psalm 90:2 declares, "from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God."