INTRODUCTION TO LAMENTATIONS

Lamentations was written by Jeremiah. It is a book of poetry lamenting the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, events which occurred when the Babylonians invaded Judah in 586 BC. This book contains five laments. They are acrostics based on the Hebrew alphabet. Each poem has twenty-two verses--except for the third, which has sixty-six verses (3 x 22).

The devastation that occurred at that time was terrible. Kings, princes, elders, priests, prophets and ordinary people all suffered. Starving mothers even ate their own children. The most able and beautiful people were dragged off into exile. The writer knows that the enemy nation which invaded and wrought such destruction and brought such sorrow was the instrument of God's wrath. He does not blame God, however. He knows that these tragedies are God's just punishment for the sins of the people. So this book of laments expresses sorrow for sin, contrition of heart and a longing to come back to God and be restored.

The centerpiece of the book is in chapter 3. The writer confesses his faith in God's great love, compassion and faithfulness. All he desires is the Lord himself.

1. The Lord has brought her grief (1-11a)

Jerusalem was once like a queen among all cities; now she had become like a slave. Why? It was because of her many sins. The army of Babylon entered the city, looted its treasures, and took its finest people captive. The destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC by the Babylonians was not an accident--it was God's punishment, for she had sinned greatly. There was no one to comfort her (8,9).

2. The high cost of rebellion (11b-22)

Verses 11b-22 are the voice of Jerusalem, crying for relief. The weeping city does not blame God, for he is righteous. The rebellious spirit of God's people is the root of sin; God only took her sins and wove them into a yoke for her neck (14). One who rebels against God's commands seems to be free--but he is forging a chain that will make him a slave.

Application: Lord, take away my rebellious spirit and help me to love and serve you so that I can be truly free.
One Word: Sin and rebellion become a yoke