Lamentations 3:21-24
But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The "this" that the prophet recalls isn't necessarily external circumstances, but the very act of bringing something to mind – perhaps the humility and brokenness he's just described – which becomes the fertile ground for hope. This verse highlights that hope isn't born from denying suffering, but from actively reorienting one's thoughts, even amidst despair.
After wallowing in the depths of despair and acknowledging his sin and suffering, the prophet shifts his focus from his dire circumstances to a higher truth. This verse marks the turning point, where he deliberately chooses to recall something that offers a lifeline of hope, setting the stage for the affirmations of God's steadfast love and faithfulness that follow.
In the depths of despair, what do you choose to remember? This verse hinges on a deliberate act of the mind and heart.
Jeremiah, overwhelmed by suffering, doesn't just passively feel his pain. He actively chooses to call to mind something specific.
A Conscious Choice
The Hebrew verb here implies bringing something back, not just remembering but re-engaging with it. It’s like deliberately pulling out an old, cherished letter to re-read its words.
The Object of Recall
Scholars debate what 'this' specifically refers to – is it God's faithfulness (v. 22-23), Jeremiah's own weakness, or the fact that God's judgment is less than deserved? Regardless of the precise object, the point is clear: Jeremiah turns his focus from his dire circumstances to a truth he knows about God or God's action.
This deliberate act of mental and spiritual redirection is the foundation for hope.
The verse links remembrance and hope with a simple, powerful word. It's not just a feeling; it's a logical outcome.
The word 'therefore' (Hebrew: ken) is crucial here. It signifies a direct result, a logical connection. Hope isn't a random spark that appears out of nowhere; it is born from recalling the right truths.
From Recall to Hope
When Jeremiah actively brings God's character or promises to the forefront of his mind, hope naturally follows. It's like laying a foundation – you can't build walls without it.
Hope Anchored in Truth
This isn't wishful thinking. It's hope grounded in the reality of who God is and what He has done, even when circumstances scream the opposite. The shift from despair to hope happens because of the mind's focus.
Understand the original words
chesed · Hebrew Noun
In the Old Testament, this refers to God’s covenant-keeping loyalty, love, and kindness. It is a persistent, faithful love that exceeds mere emotion, rooted in God's commitment to His people.
Yahweh · Hebrew Proper Noun
A common name for God in the Old Testament, reflecting His covenant identity with Israel. It represents the self-existent, eternal, and personal Creator who reveals Himself through His redemptive actions.
rachamim · Hebrew Noun
Deep compassion or pity, often associated with a parent's love for a child. It denotes an emotional and active expression of grace toward those who are in distress or need.
emunah · Hebrew Noun
The profound despair in Lamentations, especially in chapter 3, is deeply rooted in the shattering experience of Jerusalem's destruction and the Babylonian exile. This verse marks a pivotal turning point where the prophet, amidst utter desolation, chooses to recall God's enduring faithfulness and mercy, finding a fragile hope even in the darkest hour.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar's forces conquer Jerusalem, taking Jehoiakim captive along with skilled artisans and nobles, including Daniel. This marks the beginning of Judah's Babylonian exile.
c. 597 BC
Second Deportation of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar deports more of Jerusalem's population, including King Jehoiachin and the prophet Ezekiel, intensifying the exile and its impact.
c. 587/586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
After a prolonged siege, Babylonian forces under Nebuchadnezzar utterly destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, initiating the main phase of the Babylonian exile.
c. 586 BC
Third Deportation of Jerusalem
The final wave of Judean exiles are deported to Babylon, leaving only the poorest of the land behind. This event solidifies the profound loss and devastation described in Lamentations.
This passage directly echoes the sentiment of remembering God's past faithfulness in the midst of present sorrow, which is the turning point in Lamentations 3:21, fueling hope.
Romans 5:3-4This New Testament passage shows how suffering, when embraced with faith, builds character and ultimately leads to hope, mirroring the prophet's journey from despair to hope through reflection.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10Here, Paul finds strength in weakness and boasts in Christ's power, much like the prophet finds hope not in his circumstances but in recalling God's nature, leading to a hopeful perspective despite trials.
Job 3:26This verse describes Job's despair, offering a stark contrast to Lamentations 3:21. It highlights what the prophet is actively choosing *not* to dwell on, emphasizing the conscious decision to recall hope-giving truths.
barnesLamentations 3:21: "This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope."
This I recall - Rather, "This will I bring back to my heart, therefore will I hope." Knowing that God hears the prayer of the contrite, he begins again to hope.
pooleLamentations 3:21: "This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope."
This, not what was already said, that made them despair, and their souls to bow down; but this, that which followeth, concerning the nature of God, and other good providences. I see nothing in the circumstances of my condition to comfort me, but I see something in God’s nature, and in some other dispensations of his providence, which gives me ground to hope for better things than an utter ruin and destruction.
The "this" that the prophet recalls isn't necessarily external circumstances, but the very act of bringing something to mind – perhaps the humility and brokenness he's just described – which becomes the fertile ground for hope. This verse highlights that hope isn't born from denying suffering, but from actively reorienting one's thoughts, even amidst despair.
After wallowing in the depths of despair and acknowledging his sin and suffering, the prophet shifts his focus from his dire circumstances to a higher truth. This verse marks the turning point, where he deliberately chooses to recall something that offers a lifeline of hope, setting the stage for the affirmations of God's steadfast love and faithfulness that follow.
After wallowing in the depths of despair and acknowledging his sin and suffering, the prophet shifts his focus from his dire circumstances to a higher truth. This verse marks the turning point, where he deliberately chooses to recall something that offers a lifeline of hope, setting the stage for the affirmations of God's steadfast love and faithfulness that follow.
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The attribute of God being reliable, true, and constant. It affirms that God is trustworthy and that His promises will never fail, even in the midst of human unfaithfulness.
cheleq · Hebrew Noun
Inheritance or share. In a spiritual sense, it denotes that God Himself is the believer's ultimate treasure, sustenance, and security, providing everything necessary for life and eternity.
yachal · Hebrew Verb
A confident expectation or trust in God, especially in times of difficulty. It is rooted in God's character and promises rather than in present circumstances.
c. 539 BC
Fall of Babylon
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon, paving the way for the return of the Jewish exiles to Jerusalem.
c. 538 BC
Edict of Cyrus
Cyrus issues a decree allowing Jewish exiles to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. This marks the beginning of the return from exile.
"But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” sa…" — The "this" that the prophet recalls isn't necessarily external circumstances, but the very act of bringing something to mind – perhaps the humility and brokenness he's just described – which become…
