When you listen to someone talk about an even that happened, you have to be sure to look at both sides of the story. By looking at both sides, you truly get an image of what actually happened in that event.
We are first told how horrible Yerushaliam's life is for right now. She is empty, everyone left her. The city had once been so great among the nations filled with people and now she is alone. She cries at night, her cheeks constantly wet from the tears. There is no one there to comfort her because all that were once her friends are now her enemies. Her once inhabitants are now exiled among other nations. She can't find rest because she is being chased by her enemies. There is no one that visits her to celebrate the holidays. Her enemies sit in peace. G-d has afflicted her because her sins. Her YOUNG children went into captivity before the enemies.
In this part of the perek, it shows us how horrible Yerushalaim feels. She is empty and has no comfort, we are supposed to pity her for how horrible she feels.
She remembers the times before she was miserable. All the things she used to have are now in the hands of her enemies who now laugh at her. She sinned greatly so now she became separated. All her honored her see her in shame.
Here, we are introduced to the fact that she had sinned, and that is the reason she is being punished - it's her fault. Don't pity her because she sinned.
She was degraded that is was all over. No one could understand what happened to her. No one could comfort her. G-d, look at my suffering for you made my enemies so great.
Yerushalaim comes in to defend herself. G-d did this to her. Look, You made my life so horrible.
The hand of the enemy stretched out over all her precious things because she saw nations enter in to you Mikdash who you told they couldn't enter. All her people are seeking out bread.
It's true. Your enemies took your things, but it's because of your sins. You thought these nations were going to be your friends. You let them into the Beit Hamikdash and they turned against you. Reality check: It's your fault, Yerushalaim.
Here are a few pictures that show how important seeing both sides of the story are.
http://creativecriminals.com/tv-commercials/bbc-show-both-sides-of-the-story/
This is a perfect example for Israel. A lot of times there are pictures taken and seen by the public that are interpreted a specific way. We need to remember to look at both sides of the story, so we do not think badly about a person who may be good and vice versa.
ReplyDeleteWow! Those images that you linked to were really powerful! No matter which side we're on, or what our biases might be, we should still try to look at both sides of the story. Nothing is ever black and white; the world is filled with mostly gray matter. Even if we pick a side, we gain so much more by seeing and thinking about the other side of things.
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