The Lamentations of Jeremiah

The word lamentation means weeping or crying with great sorrow. Traditionally, Jews wrote and sang lamentations for close relatives and friends who died. This small book contains Jeremiah’s lamentations, written in poetic form, for Jerusalem, the temple, and the people of Judah. As you read, you might look for the following points:

• We cannot sin without consequences.

• Heeding false prophets often seems easier than heeding true ones.

• Thinking the powers of the world can help you escape God’s punishment is foolish.

• Sinners who are punished often think God is unfair.

• True remorse usually comes only after some amount of suffering.

• Hope comes from acknowledging our sins.

• Because of God’s love and mercy, there is a time of forgiveness and renewal for all who repent.

For more information, see the Bible Dictionary, “Lamentations, book of” (p. 722).

• Lamentations 1: The Consequences of Sin

• Lamentations 2–4: Why Judah Was Punished

• Lamentations 5: Jeremiah’s Plea