Exploring the Bible // Lamentations
The book of Lamentations is a compilation of poems and songs grieving over the loss of a destroyed Jerusalem. The author is not indicated by name but it’s widely accepted to be the prophet Jeremiah, who we also know as the “weeping prophet.” Support of this comes from both Jewish and Christian traditions. In addition, the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) adds a note indicating Jeremiah as the author.
Lamentations was likely written around 586 B.C., around the time of the fall of Jerusalem. It’s worth noting that Jeremiah was an eyewitness to these events and would have had first-hand knowledge of what is taking place in the book.
So, why exactly has Jerusalem been destroyed at this point in history? As a result of Judah’s sin and idolatry, God allowed the Babylonians to capture and destroy the city. Even Solomon’s great temple, which had stood for approximately 400 years, was burned and left in ruins.
Let’s take a look at what’s happening in each chapter.
A City Left in Ruins (Chapter 1)
“How lonely sits the city that was full of people!”
The author, likely Jeremiah, is walking through and mourning over the city of Jerusalem. You get the feeling that the destruction is fresh, recent, and people are distraught.
We see here that Israel’s enemies have taken the city for the sins of Israel. Truly, there is a great mourning taking place and people are grieving.
God’s Righteous Anger (Chapter 2)
The people of Judah had sinned greatly. Even after calls to repentance and to their first love, the people lived in rebellion and wickedness. They did what was evil in the sight of God.
It’s hard to imagine why God would allow such suffering to happen. But we can’t forget that God gave them warnings and multiple opportunities to repent. Yes, this was a punishment for their sin but it was also a chance for them to repent and be in right relationship with Him!
The Prophet Weeps (Chapter 3)
In this chapter, the author shares his grief for the destruction he sees. He’s in mourning. But he also turns to worship in his despair, giving us all an example of how to approach the dark times in our lives.
This chapter actually holds a passage I keep very near to my heart in times of trouble.
“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
’The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’ The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.”
The storm won’t last forever, my friend. God is faithful and if we will wait on Him, we will see the light again.
Anger and Wrath (Chapter 4)
This chapter is honestly a hard one to get through. The things the people faced in the aftermath of this destruction is heartbreaking, to say the least. But we see that ultimately, God poured out His anger on the people.
God’s anger and wrath are attributes of His that we prefer to ignore or overlook. But they are just as much a part of who he is as grace and love. Even in His anger and wrath, He is good. And although we can’t see the big picture, we must trust His plan. Because you see,
Along with His 𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘺 there is 𝘸𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘩.
Along with His 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦 there is 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦.
Along with His 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 there is 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨.
The aspects that we shy away from or reject are also good and have incredible value that is often overlooked. His wrath judges darkness. His justice silences evil. His waiting makes a way for the provision. If you love God, then you will embrace all of Him.
A Call to Remembrance (Chapter 5)
In this final chapter, the author cries out to God, pleading for the people to be remembered. He asks the Almighty to restore His people.
What Can We Learn
We are to be a holy people, set apart for God. When we live in sin and rebellion, there are consequences. But everything God does is to call us to repentance. Mourn of your sin and ask the Lord for forgiveness.
Memory Verse
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23