bring on the day

Lamentations 1:20-22 (JDV)

Lamentations 1:20 Yahveh, see how I am in distress. I am churning within; my heart is broken, because I have been very rebellious. Outside, the sword takes the children; inside, there is death.
Lamentations 1:21 People have heard me groaning, but there is no one to comfort me. All my enemies have heard of my misfortune; they are glad that you have caused it. Bring on the day you have announced, so that they may become like me.
Lamentations 1:22 Let all their wickedness come before you, and deal with them as you have dealt with me because of all my transgressions. You see, my groans are many, and I am sick at heart.

bring on the day

The city feels the shame of being singled out for God’s judgment. Even in her destitute state, she prays that God deal with the surrounding nations as he has done with her. She cannot stand being laughed at by heathen nations that are more wicked than she is. She admits that she is getting what she deserves, but the fact that God seems to be overlooking the sins of others is too much for her to bear.

But she know that God has a day of judgment coming, and her prayer is that she lives to see justice. This is not the most noble sentiment, and we do not have to do theological gymnastics to justify it. We are hearing many groans of a sinful, sick heart, groping about for help.

Lord, we know you have a day coming in which all your enemies will be brought to justice. We long for that day as well, but we also ask you to help us restore the nations to yourself before that day comes.