Introduction
It
was a massive national tragedy. Despite many prophetic warnings, the people of
Southern Kingdom of Judah refused to repent and return to the Lord. The result
was the invasion by Babylon of Judah, the destruction of Jerusalem and Solomon’s
Temple, the disappearance of the Ark of the Covenant, and the deportation of
the Judeans into 70 years of Babylonian captivity. The year: 586 BC.
Though
Jeremiah foresaw all these things, he did not tell the remnant: ‘I told you
so.’ On the contrary, he was extremely pained by the accuracy of his
prophetic prediction regarding the conquest and destruction of the his holy
city.
Yet,
in the midst of the collective darkness, God’s character and light shined
brighter than ever. Hence, to understand Lamentations is to understand God’s
steadfast love, unceasing mercies, and larger-than-life faithfulness.
Hebrew Name of
Lamentations
Ekah "Ah,
how!" Ginoth “Elegies' or ‘Lamentations.’
Author of Lamentations
Jeremiah,
the Weeping Prophet. Author of the Book of Jeremiah.
Portrait of Christ in
Lamentations
Just
as Jeremiah wept over Jerusalem, so did Jesus (Luke 19:41-44). Jeremiah’s
recorded weeping was after the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem,
Jesus’ weeping was before the Roman destruction. Both are known for
their tears, intercession, compassion for the rebellious city. In addition,
Christ is merciful, compassionate, and faithful.
Theme of Lamentations
It
speaks of the sin-induced destruction of Jerusalem. Yet, as is common with the
prophets, the same messenger of judgement doubles up as an envoy of mercy,
grace, and future restoration. Despite the dark clouds, God hovers over them
all. All who come to Him will find forgiveness, restoration, and glory.
Key Verses of
Lamentations
The
Lord was as an enemy: he hath swallowed up Israel, he hath swallowed up all her
palaces: he hath destroyed his strong holds, and hath increased in the daughter
of Judah mourning and lamentation. 6And he hath violently taken away
his tabernacle, as if it were of a garden: he hath destroyed his places of the
assembly: the LORD hath caused the solemn feasts and sabbaths to be forgotten
in Zion, and hath despised in the indignation of his anger the king and the
priest —
Lamentations 2:5-6
It
is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail
not. 23They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness — Lamentations
3:22-23
Summary of Lamentations
Lamentations
is five chapters long, which comprise five poems. Four of these are an
alphabetical acrostics. They were written at Jeremiah’s grotto near the north
wall of the Old City of Jerusalem, close to the famous Garden Tomb.
Essentially,
in light of the horrible, self-inflicted tragedy that befell Judah and
Jerusalem in 586 BC, there are some important lessons. For example, in the
light of God’s chastening, His people should repent and turn to Him with
wholeheartedness. Now that the predicted tragedy has unfolded, they can have a
fresh beginning. Above all, they need to recognise that God is full of mercy
and compassion, in the dark days and light days, so the sooner they turn to
Him, the better.
In
our day there has been a restoration of Judah, Jerusalem, and the Jewish
people, despite exile, assimilation, and attempts at annihilation.
Outline
of Lamentations
I.
Destroyed Jerusalem Needs Mercy
II.
Devastating Results of God’s Punishment of
Jerusalem
III.
Inward Cry from Outward Chastening
IV.
The Fall of Jerusalem: In Terrifying Detail
V.
Final Cry and Plea for Restoration
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