LAMENTATIONS
Theme: Mourning and how to deal with these aspects of life
Author: Jeremiah
Time: 587-586 BC
This follows up from the book of Jeremiah. He is witnessing the destruction of Jerusalem
Key Scripture:
Lamentations 3:22-23
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
In the middle of chaos, and judgment of God… mercy can be seen
Structure:
Chapter 1: First Poem - Anguish of Jerusalem’s destruction
Chapter 2: Second Poem - Anguish for Jerusalem Destroyed in God’s wrath
Chapter 3: Third Poem - Jeremiah’s Grief and Hope in the mercy of God
Chapter 4: The Fourth Poem - Horror of the Siege
Chapter 5: The Fifth Poem - Prayer for Restoration
Purpose of the Book:
1. The express through the prophet in a series of lamentation the sorrow of the heart of God
Prophet represents God to the people
This book shows the sorrow of God. God is in a state of lamentation
Priest represent the people to God
2. Record the affliction and desolation of Jerusalem
Message of the Book:
1. The sin of disobedience to God’s law brings desolation and the wrath of God
God is just… we want justice for others but we want mercy for ourselves
God wants the right thing to be done but he can’t break his own nature.
There is a tension between his justice and mercy.
2. Though God loves his people he must yet punish the wilfully obstinate and disobedient
The thing that brings judgment is disobedience… a wilful rebellion not to change.