Lamentations 2:19

Arise, cry out in the night from the first watch of the night. Pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to Him for the lives of your children who are fainting from hunger on the corner of every street.

Study Bible

Arise
The Hebrew root for "arise" is "קוּם" (qum), which conveys a sense of standing up or taking action. In the context of Lamentations, this call to arise is a summons to spiritual vigilance and urgency. The people of Jerusalem are urged to awaken from their spiritual slumber and respond to their dire circumstances with fervent prayer and repentance.

Cry out in the night
The phrase "cry out" comes from the Hebrew "זָעַק" (za'aq), which means to call out loudly or to summon. The night, often a time of rest, is here depicted as a time for earnest supplication. Historically, the night watches were periods of heightened alertness, and this call to cry out signifies the need for persistent prayer, even during times of darkness and despair.

At the beginning of the watches
In ancient Israel, the night was divided into watches, each lasting a few hours. The "beginning of the watches" indicates the first watch, a time when vigilance is renewed. This phrase underscores the importance of initiating prayer and seeking God’s intervention at the earliest opportunity, symbolizing a proactive approach to spiritual crises.

Pour out your heart like water
The imagery of pouring out one's heart "like water" suggests complete transparency and vulnerability before God. Water, a vital and life-sustaining element, represents the depth and sincerity of the supplicant's emotions. This phrase encourages believers to approach God with honesty and openness, holding nothing back in their prayers.

Before the presence of the Lord
The Hebrew term for "presence" is "פָּנִים" (panim), often translated as "face." To be before the presence of the Lord is to stand in His sight, acknowledging His sovereignty and seeking His favor. This phrase emphasizes the importance of directing one's prayers to God, recognizing His authority and ability to provide deliverance.

Lift up your hands to Him
Lifting hands in prayer is a biblical gesture of surrender and appeal. It signifies dependence on God and a plea for His mercy. This act of lifting hands is a physical expression of the heart's cry, symbolizing the worshiper’s earnest desire for divine intervention and blessing.

For the lives of your children
The focus on "the lives of your children" highlights the dire situation faced by the community, where even the most vulnerable suffer. This phrase underscores the communal aspect of prayer, where intercession is made not only for oneself but for the well-being of others, particularly the innocent and helpless.

Who are fainting from hunger
The word "fainting" conveys a sense of weakness and exhaustion, a direct result of the severe famine and siege conditions described in Lamentations. This phrase paints a vivid picture of the physical and spiritual desolation experienced by the people, calling for urgent divine intervention.

At the head of every street
The "head of every street" indicates a public and widespread calamity. It suggests that the suffering is not hidden but visible to all, affecting the entire community. This phrase serves as a reminder of the pervasive nature of sin and its consequences, urging collective repentance and reliance on God’s mercy.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
- Traditionally considered the author of Lamentations, Jeremiah is known as the "weeping prophet" due to his deep sorrow over the destruction of Jerusalem.

2. Jerusalem
- The city that has been destroyed, leading to the lament and mourning expressed in this book.

3. The Children of Jerusalem
- Represent the innocent victims suffering due to the sins of the nation, highlighting the dire consequences of disobedience to God.

4. The Watches of the Night
- Refers to the divisions of the night into periods for keeping watch, a time for vigilance and prayer.

5. The Presence of the Lord
- The place of divine encounter, where the people are encouraged to pour out their hearts in prayer.

Teaching Points

The Power of Nighttime Prayer
Nighttime is a powerful time for prayer and reflection. It is a time of quiet and solitude, allowing for deep communion with God. Believers are encouraged to use this time to seek God's presence earnestly.

Pouring Out Your Heart
The imagery of pouring out one's heart like water signifies complete transparency and vulnerability before God. This teaches us the importance of being honest and open in our prayers, holding nothing back from our Creator.

Intercession for the Next Generation
The verse highlights the importance of interceding for the younger generation. In times of crisis, lifting up the needs of children and future generations is crucial, as they are often the most affected by societal issues.

The Role of Lament in Faith
Lament is a vital part of the Christian faith, allowing believers to express grief and sorrow while still trusting in God's sovereignty. It is a form of worship that acknowledges human suffering and divine compassion.

The Urgency of Repentance and Prayer
The call to arise and cry out signifies urgency. In times of national or personal crisis, immediate repentance and prayer are necessary responses to seek God's intervention and mercy.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the practice of nighttime prayer enhance your personal relationship with God, and what steps can you take to incorporate it into your routine?

2. In what ways can you pour out your heart to God more transparently, and how does this practice impact your spiritual life?

3. How can you actively intercede for the younger generation in your community, and what specific needs should you bring before God?

4. Reflect on a time when lament played a role in your faith journey. How did it help you process grief and draw closer to God?

5. Considering the urgency of the call to prayer in Lamentations 2:19, what immediate steps can you take to address a current crisis in your life or community through prayer and repentance?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 62:8
- Encourages believers to trust in God at all times and pour out their hearts before Him, similar to the call in Lamentations 2:19.

1 Samuel 1:15
- Hannah's pouring out of her soul before the Lord in prayer, demonstrating heartfelt supplication.

Joel 1:14
- A call to gather and cry out to the Lord in times of national distress, paralleling the communal lament in Lamentations.

Matthew 11:28-30
- Jesus invites the weary and burdened to come to Him, offering rest, which aligns with the call to seek God in times of distress.

Philippians 4:6-7
- Encourages believers to present their requests to God with thanksgiving, promising peace that guards hearts and minds.