“Lamentations 5: Jeremiah’s Plea,” Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide (2002), 167
“Lamentations 5,” Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide, 167
Jeremiah’s Plea
When you sin, lose the companionship of the Holy Ghost, and feel the despair that comes from the consequences of sin and separation from the Lord, you really only have two choices. One choice is to cover your sins. We usually cover our sins by blaming others, excusing ourselves from responsibility, or by being dishonest and denying we did anything wrong. The other choice is to humble ourselves, repent, and begin to be reconciled to the Lord.
Lamentations 5 contains a lamentation of humility. In this prayer-like lamentation, Jeremiah speaks for the people who realized their sins and desired forgiveness.
Studying the Scriptures
Do activities A and B as you study Lamentations 5.
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How Can You Tell?
List words and phrases from Jeremiah 5 that indicate the people were truly repentant. Explain why you chose each word or phrase.
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What Can You Do?
Read and reflect on the second Article of Faith. There is, however, a difference between being punished for our sins and suffering as a result of other people’s sins. What can you do if you find yourself in the circumstance described in Lamentations 5:7, and how can the doctrine explained in the second Article of Faith help you?