Lamentations 5:4

We must buy the water we drink; our wood comes at a price.

Study Bible

We must buy
The phrase "we must buy" indicates a situation of dire necessity and economic hardship. In the Hebrew text, the word used here is "קָנִינוּ" (qaninu), which means to acquire or purchase. This reflects the desperate conditions faced by the Israelites during the Babylonian exile. Historically, Jerusalem was under siege, and resources were scarce. The need to purchase basic necessities like water, which should have been freely available, underscores the severity of their plight. This phrase serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of turning away from God, as the Israelites had done, leading to their captivity and suffering.

the water we drink
Water, in biblical times, was a symbol of life and purity. The Hebrew word for water is "מַיִם" (mayim). In the arid climate of the Middle East, water was a precious resource, often associated with God's provision and blessing. The fact that the Israelites had to buy water highlights their loss of divine favor and the natural resources that were once abundant in their land. This situation contrasts sharply with the imagery of God providing water from the rock in the wilderness (Exodus 17:6), emphasizing the spiritual and physical desolation they experienced due to their disobedience.

our wood comes at a price
The phrase "our wood comes at a price" further illustrates the economic and environmental devastation faced by the Israelites. The Hebrew word for wood is "עֵצֵינוּ" (etzenu), which refers to timber or fuel. Wood was essential for daily life, used for cooking, heating, and building. The need to purchase wood suggests deforestation or restricted access to natural resources, possibly due to enemy control or over-exploitation during the siege. This situation serves as a metaphor for the spiritual barrenness of the people, who had forsaken the "tree of life" (Proverbs 3:18) in their relationship with God. The verse as a whole calls believers to reflect on the importance of relying on God's provision and the consequences of straying from His path.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
Traditionally considered the author of Lamentations, Jeremiah is known as the "weeping prophet." He lamented the destruction of Jerusalem and the suffering of his people.

2. Jerusalem
The city that was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC, leading to the lamentations and mourning expressed in this book.

3. Babylonian Exile
The event during which the Israelites were taken captive by the Babylonians, leading to the hardships described in Lamentations.

Teaching Points

Dependence on God for Provision
Lamentations 5:4 highlights the basic human need for water, a necessity that was difficult to obtain during the Babylonian siege. This reminds us of our dependence on God for our daily needs and the importance of trusting Him to provide.

The Consequences of Sin
The suffering described in Lamentations is a direct result of the people's disobedience to God. This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of repentance and obedience.

Spiritual Thirst and Fulfillment
While the verse speaks of physical thirst, it also points to a deeper spiritual thirst that only God can satisfy. Believers are encouraged to seek the "living water" that Jesus offers, which leads to eternal life.

Empathy and Compassion for the Suffering
Understanding the historical context of Lamentations can cultivate empathy for those who suffer today. Christians are called to be compassionate and to help meet the needs of others, both physically and spiritually.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the scarcity of water in Lamentations 5:4 reflect the broader context of suffering and judgment in the book?

2. In what ways can we see the consequences of sin in our own lives, and how can we seek God's forgiveness and restoration?

3. How does the concept of "living water" in John 4:13-14 provide hope and contrast to the physical thirst described in Lamentations 5:4?

4. What practical steps can we take to depend more fully on God for our daily needs, as illustrated by the Israelites' dependence on water?

5. How can we, as Christians, show empathy and provide support to those who are experiencing physical or spiritual thirst in our communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 14:3
This verse also speaks of the scarcity of water, highlighting the dire conditions faced by the people of Judah during the Babylonian siege.

Isaiah 55:1
This verse offers a contrast, inviting those who are thirsty to come and drink freely, symbolizing God's provision and grace.

John 4:13-14
Jesus speaks of the living water He provides, which quenches spiritual thirst, offering a hopeful contrast to the physical thirst described in Lamentations.