Lamentations 3:63

Behold their sitting down, and their rising up; I am their musick.

Lamentations 3:63 (KJV)

Context

Lamentations 3:63 belongs to an acrostic poem in which the prophet Jeremiah pours out anguish over Jerusalem’s destruction. The verse is a plea for God to behold the conduct of his enemies.

Meaning

“Behold their sitting down, and their rising up” is an idiom for the whole of daily activity—what the enemies do whether at rest or in motion. The Hebrew term rendered “musick” (n’ginah) can mean a song or music; here it points to mocking songs. Jeremiah says he has become their taunt, the subject of their derisive entertainment. This is not a casual observation but a legal-like appeal: he asks God to see the injustice and contempt he suffers, and to act as judge. The plea is for divine attention, not merely for sympathy but for righteous intervention.

Biblical connections

The chapter moves from lament toward hope, as seen in Lamentations 3:22-24, where the prophet recalls God’s mercies. The New Testament connects such suffering to blessing for those persecuted for righteousness (Matthew 5:11-12), and Christ Himself was mocked (Matthew 27:29-31).

Application

Believers can follow Jeremiah’s example by bringing ridicule and persecution honestly to God in prayer, trusting that He sees every wrong and will vindicate His people. The verse encourages transparency about pain while resting in God’s justice.

Reflection

God is not distant from the mockery His people endure. Because He sees, no taunt or injustice escapes His notice, and His judgment is certain.