Lam 1:17-18 | MHM | STEP | v. 17 : "Zion spreadeth forth her hands, and there is none to comfort her: the LORD hath commanded concerning Jacob, that his adversaries should be round about him: Jerusalem is as a menstruous woman among them." Zion reaches out in desperation, but finds no help. God has decreed that her enemies surround her, and she is treated as unclean and untouchable. Even those who once were friends now keep their distance, and her isolation is complete .

‏ Lamentations 1:17-18

v. 17: "Zion spreadeth forth her hands, and there is none to comfort her: the LORD hath commanded concerning Jacob, that his adversaries should be round about him: Jerusalem is as a menstruous woman among them."

Zion reaches out in desperation, but finds no help. God has decreed that her enemies surround her, and she is treated as unclean and untouchable. Even those who once were friends now keep their distance, and her isolation is complete .

v. 18: "The LORD is righteous; for I have rebelled against his commandment: hear, I pray you, all people, and behold my sorrow: my virgins and my young men are gone into captivity."

Jerusalem does not blame God for her suffering. She confesses her rebellion and acknowledges that God is just in all He has done. Her sorrow is great, but it is deserved. This is true repentance—owning both the justice of God and the guilt of sin .