Judah had once been the footstool of the Lord. Because of their sin, she became the forgotten footstool. The Lord judges sin severely. Judah’s position as a nation of God’s people did not spare her. He set his people under a cloud. He brought the once-mighty nation down with dishonor. He withdrew his protection of them from their enemies. The Lord’s fury was poured out on them like a fire. While they were once called his people, the Lord became like an enemy to them, laying ruin their strongholds. He disowned his altar and sanctuary. Such was the condition of Judah because she had forsaken the Lord.

The author’s eyes are spent weeping for his people and his nation. So much suffering! Infants faint in the streets. They cry to their mothers for food. But they became food for their own mothers! (20) Prophets and priests should be able to help them come to God and repent, but they instead gave them false and misleading visions. Their enemies gloat over their disaster. All of this was foretold long ago (Dt 28:15-68). The lamenter calls on his people to cry out in anguish to the Lord for his great mercy for his people.
Application: Father, we see so much sin in the world. We are heartbroken. We cry out to you for mercy. Forgive our sin.
One Word: Cry out to the Lord!