Lamentations 1:11

All her people groan as they search for bread. They have traded their treasures for food to keep themselves alive. Look, O LORD, and consider, for I have become despised.

Study Bible

All her people groan
The Hebrew word for "groan" is "אָנַח" (anach), which conveys a deep, mournful sigh of distress. This groaning is not just physical but also spiritual and emotional, reflecting the profound suffering of the people of Jerusalem. Historically, this period follows the Babylonian siege, where famine and deprivation were rampant. The collective groaning signifies a community in anguish, highlighting the severe consequences of turning away from God.

as they search for bread
The search for bread symbolizes the desperate quest for basic sustenance. In the ancient Near Eastern context, bread was a staple of life, representing not just physical nourishment but also God's provision. The Hebrew word "לֶחֶם" (lechem) for bread underscores the dire situation where the people are reduced to scavenging for survival, a stark contrast to the abundance they once knew.

they have traded their treasures for food
This phrase illustrates the extreme measures taken by the people, exchanging valuable possessions for mere sustenance. The Hebrew word for "treasures" is "מַחֲמַד" (machmad), indicating items of great value and personal significance. This barter reflects the collapse of societal norms and the desperation that sin and judgment have wrought upon the city.

to keep themselves alive
The Hebrew phrase "לְהָשִׁיב נֶפֶשׁ" (lehashiv nefesh) literally means "to restore the soul." This expression goes beyond physical survival, touching on the preservation of life and spirit. It underscores the dire circumstances where the primary focus is on mere existence, a poignant reminder of the spiritual desolation accompanying physical hardship.

'Look, O LORD, and consider
The plea "Look, O LORD" is a direct appeal to God, using the Hebrew "רְאֵה" (re'eh), which means to see or perceive. This cry for divine attention and intervention is a common biblical motif, expressing a deep yearning for God's mercy and acknowledgment of their plight. It reflects a turning point, where the people recognize their need for God's presence and compassion.

for I have become despised.'
The word "despised" in Hebrew is "זָלַל" (zalal), meaning to be lightly esteemed or treated with contempt. This self-assessment reveals the depth of Jerusalem's fall from grace, once a city of glory now reduced to scorn. It serves as a humbling acknowledgment of the consequences of sin and a call for repentance and restoration through God's grace.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jerusalem
The city is personified as a woman who is mourning and suffering due to the destruction and exile brought upon by the Babylonian conquest.

2. The People of Jerusalem
They are depicted as groaning and desperate, searching for food and trading their valuables for sustenance.

3. The LORD
The plea is directed towards God, asking Him to look upon the suffering and consider the plight of the people.

4. Babylonian Conquest
The historical event that led to the destruction of Jerusalem and the suffering described in Lamentations.

5. Treasures
Represents the valuables and possessions that the people of Jerusalem are forced to trade for basic necessities like food.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Disobedience
The suffering of Jerusalem serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. It is crucial to remain faithful and obedient to His commandments.

The Desperation of Sin
Sin leads to spiritual and sometimes physical famine. Just as the people traded their treasures for food, sin can cause us to trade our spiritual treasures for temporary relief.

Crying Out to God
In times of distress, it is important to turn to God in prayer, acknowledging our need for His intervention and mercy.

The Value of Spiritual Treasures
Earthly possessions can be lost or traded away, but spiritual treasures, such as faith and righteousness, hold eternal value.

Hope in God's Mercy
Despite the dire circumstances, there is an underlying hope that God will see and respond to the cries of His people.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the suffering of Jerusalem in Lamentations 1:11 reflect the consequences outlined in Deuteronomy 28 for disobedience?

2. In what ways can we find ourselves trading spiritual treasures for temporary relief, and how can we guard against this?

3. How does the plea to God in Lamentations 1:11 encourage us to approach God in our own times of distress?

4. What are some spiritual treasures that we should prioritize over earthly possessions, according to Matthew 6:19-21?

5. How can the discipline described in Hebrews 12:5-11 be seen as an act of love, and how does this perspective help us understand the suffering in Lamentations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 28
This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, including famine and suffering, which are reflected in the plight of Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 52
Describes the fall of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile, providing historical context for the lament in Lamentations.

Psalm 137
Expresses the sorrow and longing of the exiled Israelites, similar to the lament in Lamentations.

Matthew 6:19-21
Jesus teaches about storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth, which contrasts with the desperation of trading earthly treasures for survival.

Hebrews 12:5-11
Discusses God's discipline, which can be seen as a parallel to the suffering of Jerusalem as a result of their disobedience.