Lamentations 5:20 (ESV)

20 Why do you forget us forever, why do you forsake us for so many days?

Jeremiah had acknowledged that it was because of his people’s own sin that God deserted them. But this verse asks, “Why” would God let this punishment continue forever? What reason could he have for prolonging the judgment beyond what was necessary? Behind this question lies Jeremiah’s trust in God’s faithfulness and mercy.