Lamentations

1.       First Impressions

Although the text doesn't tell us who the author is the book of Lamentations is traditionally attributed to Jeremiah. Jeremiah was the prophet called by God to speak out His judgment against the southern kingdom in the time shortly before the fall of Jerusalem. Lamentations is written after the siege in 586 B.C. The writing style of Lamentations is also quite similar to that of Jeremiah and there are some expressions which are found in both books such as “tears stream from my eyes” (Jer 13:17 /Lamentations 3:48). Lamentations is acrostic poetry. It was most probably written to the remnant of remaining after the exile.  Lamentations really expresses Jeremiah’s despair at the destruction of Jerusalem, his beloved city.

2.       Theme Tracing

·         What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

Lamentations really reveals a part of God’s character which most Christians often overlook. The book makes it very clear that the destruction was the work of God (1:14/ 2:17/3:37 and 4:16). We see God’s anger and wrath as a result of his hatred for sin. We see that God destroys a lot of people and many things here and yet he does it to get rid of sin and just have a few people turn to him. He does hard things but wants to save people! Lamentations 3:22-23 and 3:311-33 seems to be a glimmer of hope in the midst of all the destruction and despair, it says, “The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning” & “For no one is abandoned by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion because of his great unfailing love. For he does not enjoy hurting people or causing them sorrow.” From this text we see the following traits of God:

v  Faithful/unfailing love

v  Mercy

v  Faithfulness

v  He does not abandon

v  He brings grief if necessary

v  Compassionate

v  Goodness

v  Justice

That is really a lot of things! It is interesting for me to process the diversity and yet consistency of who God is and the way he is perfect in his balance between anger and mercy, judgment and justice and his destruction and love.

·         What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

I looked all through Lamentations and just could not find anything about God’s redemptive plan! However when I heard that it is written like most Hebrew poetry with the main idea in the center I immediately went to dissect chapter 3. I went a step further and found that the center verse in 3:33 says, “For he does not enjoy hurting people or causing them sorrow.” This shows me God’s heart for restoration and that despite the destruction as result of judgment he wants to redeem his people. Lamentations 3:22,23 speak of God’s faithfulness and mercy which is new every morning and this hope shows God’s commitment and his plan for the ultimate redemption of his people.