Lamentations 5:20

Wherefore dost thou forget us for ever, and forsake us so long time?

Lamentations 5:20 (KJV)

Context

The Book of Lamentations mourns the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the Israelites to Babylon. In Lamentations 5:20, the community cries out to God in anguish, asking why He seems to have forgotten and forsaken them for so long. This verse is a question, not a statement of fact; it reveals the people’s pain and confusion while still being addressed to God Himself, showing they believe He is present and able to answer.

Meaning

The Hebrew word for “forget” suggests that God has seemingly ceased to act on behalf of His people, and “forsake” intensifies the sense of abandonment. The phrase “so long time” (literally “length of days“) conveys that the suffering has felt endless. The verse follows a declaration of God’s eternal throne (Lamentations 5:19), creating a tension: God is sovereign and everlasting, yet His people feel forgotten. This juxtaposition is key—the question arises from faith, not unbelief. The people are not accusing God of unfaithfulness; they are pleading for Him to remember His covenant and act.

Biblical connections

This lament echoes the pattern of the Psalms, where the psalmist cries “How long?” yet ultimately trusts in God’s steadfast love (Psalm 13:1, Psalm 42:9). The surrounding context of Lamentations 5 acknowledges the people’s sin (Lamentations 5:7, 16) even as they cry out for restoration (Lamentations 5:21). The very next verse asks God to “turn us unto thee,” showing a desire for restoration.

Application

• Trusting God in Times of Abandonment: Like the people of Israel, there may be times when we feel forgotten or forsaken by God. We can express our feelings honestly to God, just as the Israelites did, and trust that He will hear our cries and respond in His perfect timing.

• Seeking God’s Restoration: When we encounter seasons of despair or feel distant from God, we can turn to Him, pleading for His intervention and restoration. Our hope lies in the fact that God is faithful and compassionate, and He can bring about healing and deliverance.

• Embracing God’s Sovereignty: Even when we cannot comprehend the reasons for our suffering or the apparent silence of God, we can trust in His sovereignty. We can find peace in knowing that God is always present, working all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

Reflection

Although this verse expresses profound despair, it is also an expression of hope. By turning to God in their anguish, the people demonstrate that they still believe He is the only source of deliverance. God’s character is unchanging, even when His people’s experience suggests otherwise. This lament invites believers to persist in prayer, holding onto the truth of God’s sovereignty and covenant faithfulness even when He seems silent.