Lamentations 5:21
Restore us to yourself, O LORD, that we may be restored! Renew our days as of old—
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This prayer isn't just asking for things to go back to how they were; it's asking for God to turn them first, acknowledging their own inability to change their hearts and lives. Only after this internal shift can they truly hope for their days to be "renewed" to a state of favor and peace with God.
After a heartbreaking recounting of the nation's suffering and sin, this chapter shifts to a desperate plea for God's intervention. The people acknowledge their own inability to fix their brokenness and recognize that only God can turn their hearts back to Him and restore their former days of peace and favor.
When life feels broken, can we fix ourselves? This verse reveals a profound truth: our spiritual turning isn't a solo act.
The people in Lamentations are in deep distress, facing the consequences of their sin. They cry out, 'Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD...'
This isn't just a wish; it's an acknowledgment of helplessness. They know they can't make themselves turn back to God. Their hearts are far from Him, and they lack the power to bridge that gap.
This prayer highlights that genuine turning to God – repentance and a renewed relationship – comes from God's own action within us. It's a divine initiative, not a human achievement.
We often pray for things to get 'back to normal.' But what does true restoration really look like according to this verse?
The second part of the plea is, 'renew our days as of old.' What does 'as of old' mean here?
It’s not just about regaining land, temple, or prosperity, though those are part of it. The scholars point out that the deepest 'old days' were characterized by a right relationship with God – His favor, His presence, His peace.
So, the prayer is for a holistic restoration: first, a turning to God in reconciliation, and then, a renewal of life that flows from His presence and favor. It's about experiencing God's blessing because we are in right relationship with Him.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The Hebrew term for the personal, covenantal name of God, revealing His self-existence, faithfulness, and relationship with His people. It is the name by which God is known as the Redeemer of Israel.
shuv · Hebrew Verb
To return, turn back, or repent; it signifies a fundamental shift in direction, both physically and spiritually, toward God. In a relational context, it implies a restoration to a right standing or fellowship that has been broken.
chadash · Hebrew Verb
To make new, repair, or cause to be as it was in the beginning. In a biblical context, it refers to God's gracious act of reviving or recreating the spiritual vitality of His people or land.
This prayer from Lamentations comes at the absolute rock bottom of Israel's despair after the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple. It's not just a political plea for freedom, but a profound cry for God to initiate their return to Him, acknowledging their own inability to turn back without divine help.
Late 8th century BC
Assyrian Reforms and Captivity
King Hezekiah's religious reforms aimed at centralization and purification, followed by Sennacherib's invasion and siege of Jerusalem.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar conquers Judah, beginning with deporting elite Jews, including Daniel, to Babylon.
597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
Another wave of deportations, including King Jehoiachin and the prophet Ezekiel, after a failed revolt.
586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction
Nebuchadnezzar completely destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, with a final wave of exiles sent to Babylon.
This passage shares the identical plea for God to 'turn us, and we shall be turned,' highlighting the deep-seated human inability to return to God without His initiating grace.
Psalm 80:3The Psalmist also cries out, 'Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved!' echoing the desperate need for God's restoring favor in times of distress.
Isaiah 1:26This verse speaks of a future restoration where judges and counselors would be 'restored as at the first,' paralleling Lamentations' desire for days 'as of old' but rooted in righteousness.
Joel 2:13The prophet Joel urges, 'Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love,' which captures the heart of the prayer in Lamentations for God's turning.
ellicottLamentations 5:21: "Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old."
(21) Turn thou us . . . O Lord . . . —The answer to the problem was found in man’s submission and in prayer. He could not turn himself, and so re-establish the old filial relation. He could ask God to turn him, and he felt that the prayer would not be asked in vain.
pooleLamentations 5:21: "Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old."
See the like expression Jeremiah 31:18 . Turn thou us unto thee by giving us repentance, and then our condition will be altered; or receive us into thy favour, and then it shall be well with us. Renew our days as of old ; restore us to our former estate, that it may be with us as it hath formerly been.
This prayer isn't just asking for things to go back to how they were; it's asking for God to turn them first, acknowledging their own inability to change their hearts and lives. Only after this internal shift can they truly hope for their days to be "renewed" to a state of favor and peace with God.
After a heartbreaking recounting of the nation's suffering and sin, this chapter shifts to a desperate plea for God's intervention. The people acknowledge their own inability to fix their brokenness and recognize that only God can turn their hearts back to Him and restore their former days of peace and favor.
After a heartbreaking recounting of the nation's suffering and sin, this chapter shifts to a desperate plea for God's intervention. The people acknowledge their own inability to fix their brokenness and recognize that only God can turn their hearts back to Him and restore their former days of peace and favor.
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c. 586 BC
Writing of Lamentations
The Book of Lamentations is traditionally attributed to Jeremiah, written in the immediate aftermath of Jerusalem's destruction, reflecting the deep sorrow and repentance of the survivors.
539 BC
Cyrus's Decree of Return
The Persian king Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon and issues a decree allowing exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands.
"Restore us to yourself, O LORD, that we may be restored! Renew our days as of old—" — This prayer isn't just asking for things to go back to how they were; it's asking for God to turn them first, acknowledging their own inability to change their hearts and lives. Only after this int…
