Lamentations

Old Testament: poetic books

Lamentations

About this book

This book is a collection of five poems expressing deep sorrow about the destruction of Jerusalem. The poems, sometimes called laments, are presented as being spoken by the city of Jerusalem and by the writer, who is called “the prophet” in the CEV.

The prophet realized that Jerusalem was being punished because its people had sinned, but the suffering seemed greater than what their sins deserved. Still, there was hope. Some day, God would be merciful again if the people would give up their sins and turn back to him.

Then I remember something

that fills me with hope.

The LORD's kindness never fails!

If he had not been merciful,

we would have been destroyed.

The LORD can always be trusted

to show mercy each morning.

Deep in my heart I say,

“The LORD is all I need;

I can depend on him!”

(3.21-24)

A quick look at this book

1. First lament: lonely Jerusalem (1)

2. Second lament: the Lord was like an enemy (2)

3. Third lament: there is still hope (3)

4. Fourth lament: the punishment of Jerusalem (4)

5. Fifth lament: a prayer for mercy (5)