The theme of Jeremiah’s lament returns. He so deeply identifies with his people that he laments the suffering they are about to face because of the very judgment that he is telling them about. He suffers with them. His reaction should also be the way they react when confronted with the Lord’s judgment, but sadly, there is no suggestion that they will.1
Jeremiah describes his suffering as a grievous wound, but there is a sense of resignation, Truly this is an affliction, and I must bear it.
The judgment that is to come on Judah is now inevitable.2
19 Woe is me because of my hurt! My wound is grievous. But I said, “Truly this is an affliction, and I must bear it.”