This chapter is a lamentation with a completely different tone from the other chapters. It laments the loss of Israel’s princes/kings, those who led fiercely yet fell prey to other nations.
“What was your mother? A lioness! …in the midst of young lions she reared her cubs. And she brought up one of her cubs; he became a young lion, and he learned to catch prey; he devoured men… Then the nations set against him from provinces on every side; they spread their net over him; he was taken in their pit. With hooks they put him in a cage and brought him to the king of Babylon; they brought him into custody, that his voice should no more be heard on the mountains of Israel.” (v2-3, 8-9)
This chapter not only laments the loss of Israel’s leaders, but the loss of their namesake and their ‘mother’. Why did Israel suffer such great loss? Because they lost sight of God, their Protector, Provider, Creator, and King. No matter how mighty and fierce they seemed, when they stopped obeying God, and consistently ignored His promptings to repent, it was only a matter of time before God allowed them to fall (again).
How long do we wait before confessing our sin and returning to God? Minutes? Hours? Days? Longer? Israel went literal generations without returning to God. We, unfortunately, can be just as stubborn and foolish (ie. prideful).
I encourage us to be humbled by God, discard any sinful pride that is preventing us from (re)turning to our creator, and refresh our commitment to Him today. We cannot change the past, and the future is uncertain, so there’s no time like the present. Let’s (re)commit ourselves to God’s kingdom and His sovereignty in our lives before it’s too late and we’re destroyed by the consequences of our sin.
Father God, our Glorious King and Sovereign Creator, thank you for being patient with us and remaining steadfast in Your love. Please humble us gently, so we may (re)turn to You and confess any sin. We (re)commit to seeking Your face, obeying Your voice, and loving our neighbors. In Jesus’ holy and righteous name we honor You, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training