"All her persecutors overtook her bein hametzarim-between the straits."
(Lamentations 1:3b)
MEGILAT EICHA-SCROLL OF LAMENTATIONS
From sundown Monday evening through Tuesday, many Jews around the world will sober themselves by fasting (Fast of the Fifth Month-Zechariah 8:19) and reading this anguished account of the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple which took place on this date in 586 BCE, a holy dwelling from which God's manifest presence had departed (Ezekiel 10) after having dwelt there since the dedication of King Solomon. The book is actually made up of five "laments", each related in some way to the 22 letters in the Hebrew alphabet-and crafted with consummate poetic skill.
It is customary to conclude the reading with a repetition of verse 21, "Turn us back to You, O LORD, and we will be restored; Renew our days as of old." Messianic Jews also take part in this observance, and there will be gatherings around the Israel to pray.
PLEASE PRAY that the Holy Spirit of God would convict and draw hearts to repentance for sin, to hope in the Mercies and Compassions of the LORD, which are "new every morning.Great is His Faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:22-23). "From the strait place I called on the LORD; The LORD answered me and set me in a broad place. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear." (Psalm 118:5-6a).
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