1. Mourning a National tragedy
LAMENTATIONS
Mourning a National tragedy

2. LAMENTATIONS: The Book
Apparently written shortly after the Fall of Jerusalem (587 B.C.). City is still desolate & in shock
Shows fulfillment of warnings given by Jeremiah, who may be the author
Consists of at least 5 separate poems, most of them acrostic
Classified among “The Writings” in the Hebrew Bible. Still read in synagogues on 9th of Ab to commemorate the destruction of Jerusalem

3. LAMENTATIONS: Major Characters
Jerusalem – Described as a widow left desolate & w/out consolation
The Narrator – Speaks in 1st person singular in 3:1 (“I am the man who has seen affliction”)
The Survivors/Exiles – Look on in horror at what has happened to them & to their city
The Lord – Doesn’t speak, but is the cause of the devastation, & Narrator speaks to Him

4. LAMENTATIONS: National Tragedy
For the Jews, Jerusalem was the center of the universe, the “holy city” where God dwelled
Jer. 7 shows the false confidence the people placed in the Temple
When Jerusalem & Temple were destroyed, it created a crisis of faith & of identity: Was Israel’s God really greater than the gods of the nations? Were they really His people?
W/out a Temple, there could be no sacrifices or feast days
Made them wonder: Is there any hope?

5. LAMENTATIONS: Themes Mourning for Jerusalem’s shame & destruction
Acknowledgement of sin as the cause of the disaster
Plea for God’s mercy
Hope for future restoration

6. LAMENTATIONS: Key Verses
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in Him.” Lamentations 3:22-24

7. LAMENTATIONS: Lessons for Today
Sometimes individuals, nations, & churches need to _____________.
Unrepented sin brings terrible _____________, both personally & nationally.
There is always _________, regardless of our sin & degradation.
_____________ in faith is a Godly response to suffering, & is sometimes all we can do.
The keys to receiving God’s forgiveness include ______________ of sin, ____________ God, & _____________ Him to be faithful & give mercy.