Lamentations 5:21

KJV

Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old.

KJV (with Strong's)

Turn {H7725} thou us unto thee, O LORD {H3068}, and we shall be turned {H7725}; renew {H2318} our days {H3117} as of old {H6924}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI, turn us back to you; and we will come back; renew our days, as they were in the past -

Berean Standard Bible

Restore us to Yourself, O LORD, so we may return; renew our days as of old,

American Standard Version

Turn thou us unto thee, O Jehovah, and we shall be turned; Renew our days as of old.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 5:21 serves as the climactic and concluding prayer of a people utterly devastated by the destruction of Jerusalem and the subsequent exile. It is a desperate yet profound plea for divine intervention, acknowledging the nation's inability to genuinely repent or restore itself without God's sovereign hand. The verse encapsulates a deep yearning for spiritual renewal and a return to a state of favor and flourishing, echoing a foundational theological truth: true transformation, whether personal or corporate, originates from God's grace and initiative, leading to a renewed experience of His presence and blessings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Lamentations 5:21 stands as the penultimate verse in the Book of Lamentations, a collection of five poetic laments, each a chapter, mourning the catastrophic fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians in 586 BC. The preceding chapters vividly depict the horrors of siege, famine, and destruction, expressing profound grief and despair. Chapter 5, distinct from the acrostic structure of the first four, shifts from individual lament to a collective prayer, a desperate cry from the surviving remnant to God. This chapter serves as a communal petition, a raw outpouring of suffering and a plea for divine remembrance and restoration. Verse 21, therefore, functions as the emotional and theological climax of this collective prayer, summarizing the deepest longing of the exiled people for God's redemptive action before the book's final, poignant question about God's enduring wrath.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the Babylonian conquest of Judah, culminating in the destruction of the Temple, the city of Jerusalem, and the forced exile of its inhabitants. This event was a cataclysmic blow to the Jewish people, challenging their understanding of God's covenant faithfulness and their identity as His chosen nation. Culturally, lament was a recognized and vital form of expression in the ancient Near East, particularly in response to national catastrophe. It allowed for the unvarnished articulation of grief, confusion, and even anger towards God, while simultaneously maintaining a posture of dependence and hope in His ultimate sovereignty. The plea to "renew our days as of old" reflects a deep cultural memory of the Davidic kingdom's glory, the Solomonic Temple's splendor, and the era of covenant blessings, contrasting sharply with their present desolation and shame.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout Lamentations and broader biblical theology. It highlights the theme of **divine initiative in repentance**, asserting that genuine turning to God is not merely a human act but requires God's enabling grace, a truth echoed in prophetic calls for Israel's return (e.g., [Jeremiah 31:18](/jeremiah/31-18 "Jeremiah 31:18 - Ephraim's Prayer of Repentance")). The fervent desire to "renew our days as of old" underscores the theme of **restoration and renewal**, a recurring hope in the face of judgment, anticipating a return to a past state of divine favor and covenant flourishing, much like the promises of a restored future in the prophets (e.g., [Joel 2:25](/joel/2-25 "Joel 2:25 - God's Promise of Restoration")). Finally, despite the overwhelming despair that permeates the book, verse 21 offers a glimmer of **hope amidst desolation**, rooting that hope not in human strength or political maneuvering, but solely in God's power to transform circumstances and hearts, demonstrating an enduring faith in His ultimate ability to save and restore.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Turn (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This primitive root (H7725) is central to the verse, appearing twice. It means "to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively." It encompasses the ideas of returning, retreating, restoring, or repenting. In the first instance, "Turn thou us unto thee," it is an active imperative, a command or plea for God to initiate the turning. In the second, "and we shall be turned," it is in the passive voice, indicating the result of God's action – the people *will be* turned. This linguistic nuance highlights the divine initiative in genuine spiritual transformation and the human response or consequence.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, self-existent name of God (H3068), often translated as "Jehovah" or "the Lord." It emphasizes God's eternal, unchanging nature and His covenant relationship with Israel. By addressing God as "O LORD," the petitioners appeal to His character as the faithful, powerful, and sovereign God who has always been and always will be, the one capable of fulfilling their desperate plea for restoration.
* **renew (Hebrew, _châdash'_):** This primitive root (H2318) means "to be new" or, causatively, "to rebuild" or "repair." It signifies a restoration to an original or better state, a making new. The plea "renew our days" is not merely a wish for a return to the past, but for God to actively make their present and future like their former, more blessed state, implying a complete spiritual and national rejuvenation.
* **old (Hebrew, _qedem'_):** This word (H6924) refers to "the front," or "antiquity," often used adverbially to mean "before" or "anciently." When paired with "days" (yôwm, H3117, meaning a day or period of time), "as of old" signifies a longing for the former, prosperous, and divinely favored times of Israel's history. It's a reference to a golden age, a period of covenant faithfulness and blessing that stands in stark contrast to their current state of desolation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD":** This is a direct, urgent supplication to God. The imperative "Turn" (Hebrew: _hashevenu_) signifies a recognition of human inability to initiate true spiritual turning or repentance without divine intervention. It's a humble acknowledgment that their hearts are hardened or their will is paralyzed by sin and despair, and only God's grace can break through. The address "O LORD" (Yahweh) appeals to God's covenant faithfulness and His omnipotence.
* **"and we shall be turned":** This clause expresses the confident expectation of the outcome once God acts. The passive voice "we shall be turned" (Hebrew: _w'nishâvêv_) indicates that the people's turning is a direct result of God's prior action. It implies that if God initiates the turning, their repentance and restoration are assured. This highlights the synergistic nature of salvation: God enables, and humanity responds.
* **"renew our days as of old":** This is the specific content of their longing for restoration. "Renew" (Hebrew: _chaddesh_) implies a making new, a rebuilding, or a repairing. "Our days" refers to their collective experience, their national life, their prosperity, and their relationship with God. The phrase "as of old" points to a desire for a return to a past era of divine favor, covenant blessings, and national flourishing, before the calamities of exile. It's a prayer for a return to peace, justice, and vibrant fellowship with God, a restoration of their former glory and spiritual vitality.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 5:21 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **Synthetic Parallelism**, where the second line expands upon or completes the thought of the first. "Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned" demonstrates this, with the second clause ("and we shall be turned") being the direct consequence of the first ("Turn thou us"). This emphasizes the divine initiative and human response. The repetition of the root "turn" (Hebrew _shûwb_) also functions as a powerful form of **Anaphora** or **Repetition**, underscoring the central theme of repentance and restoration, and highlighting the theological truth that genuine turning *to* God is enabled by God's turning *of* us. The phrase "renew our days as of old" uses **Metaphor** and **Imagery**, envisioning a restoration of time itself, a return to a more blessed and flourishing era, painting a vivid picture of national and spiritual rejuvenation. The entire verse is a poignant **Supplication**, a humble and urgent prayer, which is a key characteristic of the lament genre.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 5:21 articulates a profound theological truth central to biblical understanding: humanity's inherent inability to truly turn to God without divine enablement. This verse underscores that genuine repentance and spiritual renewal are not merely human endeavors but are initiated and empowered by God's sovereign grace. The plea for God to "turn us" acknowledges a spiritual paralysis, a deep-seated brokenness that only God can mend. This concept resonates throughout Scripture, highlighting God's active role in drawing His people to Himself and in transforming their hearts. The desire to "renew our days as of old" speaks to God's character as a God of restoration, who can bring life out of death, order out of chaos, and hope out of despair, ultimately pointing to His redemptive plan for His people.

* [Jeremiah 31:18](/jeremiah/31-18 "Jeremiah 31:18 - Ephraim's Prayer for Turning")
* [Psalm 80:3](/psalms/80-3 "Psalm 80:3 - A Prayer for Restoration")
* [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - The Promise of a New Heart and Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 5:21 offers a timeless prayer for individuals, communities, and nations grappling with spiritual stagnation, moral decline, or overwhelming adversity. It calls us to a profound humility, recognizing that our capacity for genuine repentance and lasting change is ultimately dependent on God's initiating grace. When we find ourselves adrift in sin, apathy, or despair, this verse instructs us to cry out to God, not merely for external circumstances to change, but for Him to turn our hearts back to Him. It reminds us that true spiritual renewal—whether a personal awakening or a corporate revival—is a divine work, a testament to God's power to restore what is broken and to make all things new. This prayer encourages persistent, faith-filled supplication, trusting that God, who is faithful to His covenant, hears the cries of His people and is able to "renew our days" beyond our imagination, aligning us with His perfect will and purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I need God to "turn" me back to Him, acknowledging my own inability to do so fully?**
* **What does "renew our days as of old" mean for me personally or for my community today? What "old" blessings or spiritual vitality do I long to see restored?**
* **How does understanding God's initiative in repentance impact my prayers for myself and for others?**
* **What practical steps can I take to align my life with God's will once I sense His turning work within me?**

### FAQ
**Why does the prayer ask God to "turn us" if people are responsible for repenting?**

Answer: This verse highlights a crucial theological tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. While Scripture clearly calls individuals to repent (e.g., [Acts 3:19](/acts/3-19 "Acts 3:19 - Call to Repentance")), Lamentations 5:21 acknowledges that true, heartfelt repentance is ultimately enabled by God's grace. The human heart, marred by sin, is often resistant or unable to turn fully to God on its own. Therefore, the prayer is a recognition of spiritual brokenness and a plea for God to supernaturally incline the heart towards Him, to grant the gift of repentance (as seen in [2 Timothy 2:25](/2_timothy/2-25 "2 Timothy 2:25 - God Grants Repentance")). It's an admission that without God's initiative, genuine turning is impossible, emphasizing our utter dependence on Him for spiritual renewal.

**What does "renew our days as of old" specifically refer to?**

Answer: "Renew our days as of old" expresses a profound longing for a return to a past era of divine favor, national prosperity, and covenant faithfulness. For the people of Judah, "as of old" likely invoked memories of the united monarchy under David and Solomon, a time of peace, justice, and God's manifest presence in the Temple. It was a period when God's blessings were evident, and the nation lived in relative security and spiritual vitality. The prayer is not merely for a nostalgic return to the past, but for God to restore their spiritual and physical well-being to a state that reflects His original design and covenant promises for His people, bringing an end to their current suffering and shame.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamentations 5:21 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The desperate cry for God to "Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned" is answered definitively in the person and work of Christ. He is the one through whom true repentance is made possible, not merely as a human effort, but as a divine gift (as described in [Acts 5:31](/acts/5-31 "Acts 5:31 - Jesus, the Prince and Savior, Gives Repentance")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus broke the power of sin that binds human hearts and prevents them from turning to God. He is the way, the truth, and the life, the sole path by which humanity can be reconciled to the Father ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Furthermore, the plea to "renew our days as of old" points forward to the new creation inaugurated by Christ. While the Old Testament longed for a restoration of past glory, Christ offers something far greater: a new covenant ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant")) and a new creation ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")) where believers are made new in Him, experiencing spiritual vitality and a relationship with God that surpasses anything known "of old." The renewal Christ brings is not merely a return to a former state, but a transformation into a glorious future, where all things are made new in His eternal kingdom ([Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - God Makes All Things New")).

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 80:3

Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.

Psalms 80:7

Turn us again, O God of hosts, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.

Psalms 85:4

Turn us, O God of our salvation, and cause thine anger toward us to cease.

Psalms 80:19

Turn us again, O LORD God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.

Jeremiah 31:18

¶ I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself [thus]; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed [to the yoke]: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou [art] the LORD my God.

Zechariah 8:3

Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain.

Zechariah 8:6

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If it be marvellous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days, should it also be marvellous in mine eyes? saith the LORD of hosts.