It is only because of her pain and misery that Jerusalem turns to God for help. She did not do it when everything went well and there were allies around her. Only when she had been deserted by all, and other comforters were missing, did she turn to God. He is the only one who can save her and reverse the judgment He has imposed on her. She asks God to see her pain. In history, when God saw the affliction of his people, he delivered them (see Exodus 2:23–25). She calls attention to her afflictions suffered to the One who imposed it, because he can help.1 When God is asked to behold, see
her affliction, it is an appeal to Him to act and to redeem. This serious plea for help is a characteristic of the psalms of lament (see also Psalm 13:3; Lamentations 1:20; Lamentations 2:2; Lamentations 5:1). God is asked, because he is the One who responds to His people’s needs (see also Judges 2:18; Psalm 22:5; Psalm 50:15; Psalm 81:8; Psalm 91:15; Psalm 107:1–43).
9 La souillure était dans les pans de sa robe, et elle ne songeait pas à sa fin; Elle est tombée d'une manière étonnante, et nul ne la console. Vois ma misère, ô Eternel! Quelle arrogance chez l'ennemi!