The Book Of Lamentations
Author	Probably Jeremiah
Date Written	Between 586 and 585 B.C.
Time Span	An uncertain period of time soon after the destruction of Jerusalem, at the beginning of the exile.
Title	The book takes its name from its content: poetic laments about the destruction of Jerusalem. It is also called the “Lamentations of Jeremiah.”
Background	Lamentations (a look at the past) is a sequel to the book of Jeremiah (a look toward the future). Both books center around the destruction of Jerusalem and her subsequent captivity. Lamentations is one of 5 books which make up the Megilloth. These books of the Megilloth are read publicly at the following Jewish festivals: Ninth of Aba (Lamentations); Purim (Esther); Pentecost (Ruth), Tabernacles (Ecclesiastes); and Passover (Song of Solomon). The first 4 poems of Lamentations, a 5 poem song, are in “acrostic” or alphabetical fashion. The 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet correspond successively to the first letter of each verse in chapters 1, 2, and 4. However, in chapter 3 each letter is allotted 3 verses.
Where Written	Jerusalem or Egypt.
To Whom	To the fallen city of Jerusalem.
Content	Nebuchadnezzar brings to pass that which Jeremiah has been prophesying for 40 years. Jerusalem is destroyed, as is the Temple, and the people are exiled to Babylon. Now Jeremiah sits among the ashes and weeps. His anguish is not only for himself, but for the exiles and those left behind destitute. These 5 poems make up a funeral song for the death of Jerusalem. But even during this barren hour, in Jeremiah's contrite heart he has a glimmer of hope. He begins again to pray for mercy on his people. Jeremiah praises God for His power, His fairness, and His faithfulness. He looks to God for the future restoration of Jerusalem.
Themes	Suffering may be allowed in our lives as a means of helping us to repent. A forgiven sin may still have consequences with which we must deal. During our darkest hours God will strengthen and comfort us if we will only let Him. If we have ever experienced sorrow, we are great candidates to console another who is hurting now. Even as Jeremiah mourned, our Father mourns (when we refuse to take the message of His Son to heart). The judgment of God is certain. . .the time it will arrive is not.
Key Words	“Wrath”; “Lament.” The “wrath” of God has crushed Jerusalem and vindicated His righteousness and justice. All Jeremiah can do now is “lament” over what was once his proud and glorious city.
Outline	1:1-1:22  Destruction and desolation of Jerusalem 2:1-2:22  God's anger with Jerusalem 3:1-3:66  Prayer for God's mercy on Jerusalem 4:1-4:22  Repentance of Jerusalem 5:1-5:22  Prayer for God's restoration of Jerusalem
More	Audio of the Book of Lamentations

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