It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
Read it in contextA Declaration of Hope and God's Faithfulness
Start reading at Lamentations 3:21 (Lamentations 3:21 to Lamentations 3:42).
This section marks a pivotal shift from deep lament to a declaration of hope and trust in God's character, beginning with the speaker recalling hope to mind.
3:21This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.
3:22It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
3:23They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
3:24The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
3:25The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.
3:26It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.
3:27It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.
3:28He sitteth alone and keepeth silence, because he hath borne it upon him.
3:29He putteth his mouth in the dust; if so be there may be hope.
3:30He giveth his cheek to him that smiteth him: he is filled full with reproach.
3:31For the LORD will not cast off for ever:
3:32But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.
3:33For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.
3:34To crush under his feet all the prisoners of the earth,
3:35To turn aside the right of a man before the face of the most High,
3:36To subvert a man in his cause, the LORD approveth not.
3:37Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?
3:38Out of the mouth of the most High proceedeth not evil and good?
3:39Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins?
3:40Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.
3:41Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.
3:42We have transgressed and have rebelled: thou hast not pardoned.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Jeremiah is the traditional author. The poems themselves do not identify their writer, so the personal attribution remains uncertain. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Lamentations 3:1–3:66): The afflicted speaker recounts suffering, speaks to hearers about hope, and joins the community in addressing the LORD. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The devastated people of Judah and Jerusalem mourning the city's destruction, and the community preserving that lament and appeal to God. Biblical references: Lamentations 1:1; Lamentations 2:10; Lamentations 5:1. book background
What
What is the main event or theme? The main theme is the unfailing mercies and compassions of the LORD, which prevent complete destruction and provide a basis for hope even amidst profound suffering and divine judgment. This verse marks a turning point from deep lament to a declaration of hope based on God's character.
What is God revealing? God is revealing His character as merciful, compassionate, and faithful. His mercies and compassions do not fail and are renewed every morning, demonstrating His enduring goodness even when His people face the consequences of their sins.
What is the literary style? The literary style is Hebrew poetry, specifically a lament that transitions into a declaration of hope and trust in God's character. The book is an acrostic poem, though this specific section (chapter 3) is a triple acrostic.
When
When was it written? The book of Lamentations was written around 586 B.C.
When does the event take place? The events described in Lamentations take place after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C., reflecting on the destruction and exile.
Where
Where did it happen? The events described in the book, particularly the destruction and suffering, happened in Jerusalem and Judah.
Where was the author located? The author, Jeremiah, was located in Jerusalem when the book was written.
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in A Declaration of Hope and God's Faithfulness (Lamentations 3:21 to Lamentations 3:42).
Start reading at Lamentations 3:21. This section marks a pivotal shift from deep lament to a declaration of hope and trust in God's character, beginning with the speaker recalling hope to mind.
How
How does it fit the broader context? This verse marks a crucial turning point in the book of Lamentations. After two chapters and twenty verses of deep despair, suffering, and lament over Jerusalem's destruction and God's judgment, verse 21 introduces a shift to hope. Verse 22 then provides the foundational reason for that hope: God's unfailing mercies and compassions, which prevent complete annihilation and are renewed daily. interpretation
How does it point to Christ? Christ is the ultimate embodiment and demonstration of God's mercies and compassions. Through His suffering, death, and resurrection, God's unfailing love and mercy are made available to humanity. His sacrifice prevents our eternal consumption by sin and offers new life and hope, showing that God's compassions truly do not fail, even in the face of humanity's greatest rebellion. interpretation
How do I apply it today? In times of personal or collective suffering, despair, or consequence for sin, believers can find enduring hope and comfort in the unchanging character of God. His mercies are new every morning, providing fresh grace and strength to face each day. This verse reminds us that even in judgment or affliction, God's ultimate desire is not to consume, but to show compassion, encouraging us to turn to Him in repentance and trust.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Lamentations 3
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Lamentations consists of poetic laments over Jerusalem's devastation. The book does not name its author. Shifts between the city's voice, an individual sufferer, and communal prayer must be respected. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Individual affliction gives way to remembrance of the LORD's mercies, self-examination, and further appeals for help and justice.
Connection to the wholeIndividual affliction gives way to remembrance of the LORD's mercies, self-examination, and further appeals for help and justice.
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. Individual affliction gives way to remembrance of the LORD's mercies, self-examination, and further appeals for help and justice.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Lamentations
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Lamentations consists of poetic laments over Jerusalem's devastation. The book does not name its author. Shifts between the city's voice, an individual sufferer, and communal prayer must be respected.
Connection to the wholeIndividual affliction gives way to remembrance of the LORD's mercies, self-examination, and further appeals for help and justice.
Connection to the wholeThe closing communal prayer brings the people's condition before the LORD and asks for restoration without supplying a simple narrative resolution.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.