Lamentations 3:62

Lamentations 3:62 (KJV) reads, "The lips of those that rose up against me, and their device against me all the day." This verse continues the personal lament of the prophet, likely Jeremiah, describing the relentless and insidious nature of the opposition he faced.

Historical and Cultural Context

The book of Lamentations is a poignant elegy mourning the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BC, and the subsequent exile of the Jewish people. Chapter 3, often attributed to Jeremiah, offers a deeply personal reflection on suffering, punctuated by moments of hope in God's steadfast love. This verse highlights the constant verbal and strategic attacks from enemies—likely those within Judah who opposed Jeremiah's prophetic message, or the foreign invaders and their sympathizers. The prophet Jeremiah himself experienced intense persecution, including slander and plots against his life, making this verse a powerful expression of his personal agony amidst national catastrophe.

Key Themes and Messages

• Relentless Opposition: The phrase "all the day" emphasizes the unceasing nature of the attacks. It wasn't just occasional criticism but a constant barrage of hostility.
• Verbal Assaults: "The lips of those that rose up against me" speaks to the power of words—slander, mockery, false accusations, and verbal abuse. These are often as painful as physical attacks.
• Malicious Plotting: "Their device against me" refers to the schemes, plans, and evil intentions concocted by adversaries. This suggests a calculated effort to harm or undermine the speaker. This constant plotting reveals the deep animosity and strategic malice of the enemies.
• A Plea for Divine Justice: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the preceding and succeeding verses (Lamentations 3:58-66) show the speaker appealing to God to see and judge these actions, trusting in God's righteousness to intervene. This echoes the sentiment found in many psalms where the righteous suffer under the wicked (e.g., Psalm 35:20-21).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "device" is machashabah (מַחֲשָׁבָה), which signifies a thought, plan, or invention. In contexts like this, it often carries a negative connotation, referring to evil designs or malicious schemes. It highlights that the opposition wasn't spontaneous but often premeditated and carefully planned. The imagery of "lips" underscores the destructive power of spoken words, a theme frequently explored in wisdom literature like Proverbs.

Practical Application

Lamentations 3:62 resonates deeply with anyone who has faced sustained opposition, slander, or malicious plots. It reminds us that:

• Persecution is a Reality: Believers throughout history, and even today, can expect to face opposition for their faith or for upholding truth.
• Words Can Be Weapons: This verse highlights the destructive power of verbal attacks. It encourages us to be mindful of our own words and to recognize when we are targets of hurtful speech.
• God Sees and Hears: Despite the relentless nature of the attacks, the speaker's lament is ultimately directed to God, trusting that the Lord is aware of every word and every plot. This offers comfort and encourages us to cast our anxieties upon Him, knowing He cares for us.
• Trust in Divine Justice: When facing relentless opposition, we are called to trust in God's ultimate justice, knowing that He will repay evil and deliver His people in His time (Romans 12:19).