The Book of Lamentations
Because of its subject matter , the book is referred to in Jewish tradition as "Lamentations", meaning to express grief or sorrow. It was written as a reminder of the fall of Jerusalmen and of the burning of the temple. Although the writer of Lamentations is anonymous, ancient Jewish and Christian tradition ascribes it to Jeremiah. Since he was an eyewitness to the divine judgment on Jerusalem in 586 B.C., it is reasonable to assume he was the author. Lamentations is the only Old Testament book that consists solely of laments. Jeremiah recognizes that the judgment on Jerusalem and the temple is the judgment of a righteous God. The book that begins with a lament (1:1-2) rightly ends in repentance (5:21-22). Knowing that God is merciful, the author appeals for mercy in prayer to God. In the middle of the book, the theology of Lamentations reaches its apex as it focuses on God's goodness. In spite of all evidence to the contrary, "His compassions never fail."
In chapter 1, Jeremiah mourns for Jerusalem and Judea as it lays in ruin by the raid and destruction of Babylon, “How lonely sits the city that was full of people! She has become like a widow who was once great among the nations! She who was a princess among the provinces has become a forced laborer!” (1:1).
Chapter 2, He described the anger of the Lord, who brought judgment to the wicked land, as He had warned, “In fierce anger He has cut off all the
strength of Israel; He has drawn back His right hand from before the
enemy...”(2:3).Chapter 3, we see Jeremiah expressing his troubled spirit and suffering in
gloom. He too is afflicted, as his homeland has been pillaged. On the other hand, he reminds us in verses 19-23, that God is faithful and will restore and bring His promise to pass, “The LORD’S loving-kindness indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail” (3:22).
Finally, in chapter 4, we read that God has brought justice and ruled
mightily. During the siege, the city of Jerusalem suffered incredibly.
Starvation was so bad and widespread that the Israelites resorted to eating their own children. The nation was warned about their sin and disobedience and the penalty of the coming judgment of God, and in
verse 11 we read, “The LORD has accomplished His wrath’”.
Foreshadowing of Jesus
Jeremiah was known as the “weeping prophet” for his deep and abiding
passion for his people and their city (Lamentations 3:48-49). This same sorrow over the sins of the people and their rejection of God was expressed by Jesus as He approached Jerusalem and looked ahead to her destruction at the hands of the Romans (Luke 19:41-44). Because
of the Jews’ rejection of their Messiah, God used the Roman siege to punish His people. But God takes no joy in having to punish His children and His offer of Jesus Christ as a provision for sin shows His great compassion on His people. One day, because of Christ, God will wipe
away all tears (Revelation 7:17).
continue to Ezekiel...
Chapter 2, He described the anger of the Lord, who brought judgment to the wicked land, as He had warned, “In fierce anger He has cut off all the
strength of Israel; He has drawn back His right hand from before the
enemy...”(2:3).
gloom. He too is afflicted, as his homeland has been pillaged. On the other hand, he reminds us in verses 19-23, that God is faithful and will restore and bring His promise to pass, “The LORD’S loving-kindness indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail” (3:22).
Finally, in chapter 4, we read that God has brought justice and ruled
mightily. During the siege, the city of Jerusalem suffered incredibly.
Starvation was so bad and widespread that the Israelites resorted to eating their own children. The nation was warned about their sin and disobedience and the penalty of the coming judgment of God, and in
verse 11 we read, “The LORD has accomplished His wrath’”.
Foreshadowing of Jesus
Jeremiah was known as the “weeping prophet” for his deep and abiding
passion for his people and their city (Lamentations 3:48-49). This same sorrow over the sins of the people and their rejection of God was expressed by Jesus as He approached Jerusalem and looked ahead to her destruction at the hands of the Romans (Luke 19:41-44). Because
of the Jews’ rejection of their Messiah, God used the Roman siege to punish His people. But God takes no joy in having to punish His children and His offer of Jesus Christ as a provision for sin shows His great compassion on His people. One day, because of Christ, God will wipe
away all tears (Revelation 7:17).
continue to Ezekiel...
