Lamentations 2:15 - Homilies By J.r. Thomson

The glory and the shame of Jerusalem.

Contrast with misery escaped heightens the joy of the rescued and the happy; and, on the other hand, contrast with bygone prosperity adds to the wretchedness of those who are fallen from high estate.

I. THE BEAUTY AND RENOWN OF JERUSALEM IN ITS PROSPERITY . Into these many elements entered.

1 . Its situation was superb. Nature pointed out the heights of Zion for a metropolis. Especially when beheld from the brow of Olivet the city impresses every traveller with admiration.

2 . Its history and memorable associations. Won by the valour of David, adorned by the magnificence of Solomon, the home of heroes and of saints, this city possessed a fascination with which few cities of the earth could compare.

3 . Its sacred edifice ranked alone, far above all the temples of the ancient world. Not that its architecture was commanding or beautiful in the highest degree; but. that its erection, its dedication, the presence of the Eternal, all lent an interest and a sacredness to the peerless building.

4 . Its sacrifices and festivals, which were attended by hundreds of thousands of worshippers, were altogether unique.

II. THE DISGRACE OF JERUSALEM . This appears:

1 . From its ruinous and almost uninhabitable condition,

2 . From the slaughter or dispersion of its citizens.

3 . From its degradation from its proud position as the metropolis of a nation.

4 . From the hatred, scorn, and insults of its triumphant enemies.

APPLICATION . There is a day of visitation which it behoves every child of privilege and mercy to use aright. To neglect that day is surely to entail a bitter overtaking by the night of calamity and destruction.—T.