Read the book of Lamentations. It is a book of great sorrow. God allowed the Kingdom of Jacob/Israel/Zion/Judah to go into captivity and in Lamentations 4:6 HE explains what it means to stay his hand and why he does this to Israel.
VS. 6a For the punishment of the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the punishment of the sin of Sodom,
In this sentence to stay HIS hand upon ... means he will not lift his judgment off of ...
The daughter of HIS people refers to a place and a people ... Jacob/Judah/Zion/Jerusalem/Israel
This punishment comes upon the people of the LORD due to the sins of the people. Chapter 1-3 sets the stage for the bad standing of the people in God's eyes.
Now, compare the manner in which God's hand of judgement was upon Sodom for their sins. It came suddenly and it was over quickly. Once and done!
But The LORD God Almighty does not intend that for HIS PEOPLE... He will not lift his hand.
VS. 6ab For the punishment of the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the punishment of the sin of Sodom,
So, how was Israel's punishment greater than Sodom's???
VS. 6c (Sodom) which was overthrown as in a moment, and no hands stayed upon her.
Just wow... from verse 6c I now understand why Israel has continuously faced horrific things until this day! The LORD has not lifted his hand of judgement but has kept it upon Israel.
God's 'not lifting his hand' is like a sign that God is real, keeps his word and judges inequity. Now, I don't think he abandons His people ... but he must use this promise in order to keep them unto himself. One day they will see the one which they pierced and be humbled, repent and be saved.
VS. 6a For the punishment of the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the punishment of the sin of Sodom,
In this sentence to stay HIS hand upon ... means he will not lift his judgment off of ...
The daughter of HIS people refers to a place and a people ... Jacob/Judah/Zion/Jerusalem/Israel
This punishment comes upon the people of the LORD due to the sins of the people. Chapter 1-3 sets the stage for the bad standing of the people in God's eyes.
Now, compare the manner in which God's hand of judgement was upon Sodom for their sins. It came suddenly and it was over quickly. Once and done!
But The LORD God Almighty does not intend that for HIS PEOPLE... He will not lift his hand.
VS. 6ab For the punishment of the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the punishment of the sin of Sodom,
So, how was Israel's punishment greater than Sodom's???
VS. 6c (Sodom) which was overthrown as in a moment, and no hands stayed upon her.
Just wow... from verse 6c I now understand why Israel has continuously faced horrific things until this day! The LORD has not lifted his hand of judgement but has kept it upon Israel.
God's 'not lifting his hand' is like a sign that God is real, keeps his word and judges inequity. Now, I don't think he abandons His people ... but he must use this promise in order to keep them unto himself. One day they will see the one which they pierced and be humbled, repent and be saved.
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