the captured king

Lamentations 4:18-20 (JDV)

Lamentations 4:18 Our steps were closely followed so that we could not walk in our streets. Our end approached; our time ran out. Our end had come!
Lamentations 4:19 Those who chased us were swifter than eagles in the sky; they relentlessly pursued us over the mountains and ambushed us in the wilderness.
Lamentations 4:20 Yahveh’s anointed, the breath of our nostrils, was captured in their traps. We had said about him, “We will live under his protection among the nations.”

the captured king

The Lamenter describes the day the unthinkable happened. God’s anointed king was captured. No one could imagine such a thing. After all, God’s king is untouchable — right? But God allowed his anointed king to be captured by the enemy. He was “the breath of our nostrils.” But God’s judgment upon his people for their sin falls on even him.

Such words remind me of the faithfulness of God to his own word. For a long time, God’s prophets warned his people of coming judgment. But they thought they were protected.

Lord, we come to you today, realizing afresh that we need your kingdom and righteousness in truth. We seek your protection by faith. We do not assume it.