1. See our disgrace (1-18)

Chapter 5 is unique in that it is not acrostic. But it contains 22 verses like chapters 1, 2 and 4 and has some similar themes. The author calls on the LORD to remember what has happened to his people. The Promised Land had been given over to strangers. There were many fatherless children and widows. They were pursued on every side. Water, wood and bread were very difficult to obtain. Their women had been raped, their princes hung up and their elders disrespected. Singing and dancing had stopped. He laments their sin which had brought this calamity.

2. The LORD reigns forever (19-22)

After asking the LORD to remember the suffering of the people, the author prays for restoration. God had not lost control. The LORD is eternal and reigns forever. He rules over every generation. God had not forgotten them. The author prays that the LORD would restore the people to himself. He prays to return to God and that the days of blessing would be renewed.