The five chapters of Lamentations may be easily overlooked. Not only is it brief, but it is also sandwiched between the two giants of Old Testament prophecy, Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Lamentations also deals with realities which we rather wish were not discussed - consequently the book is little studied. However, although there much here to challenge faith, there is much that builds it up. Lamentations was not written in the first instance to serve as warning to others, or to even keep alive the present memory of past suffering, it is the present that dominates the thought of the book.

And in that present are overriding thoughts - 'has God left us?'; 'Have we blown our chance as God's covenant people?' 'Is there a way forward towards the restoration?'

A popular view today is that Lamentations is a dreary book with nothing to say to today's society. The reality is that it could not be more relevant, more authentic.

Contents:

Introduction
A. Historical Setting
B. Authorship
C. Literary Structure
D. Message of the Book
E. Application
F. Translation

Chapter 1
A. Grief Observed (1:1-11)
B. Grief Felt (1:12-22)

Chapter 2
A. Under the Cloud of the LORD’s Anger (2:1-10)
B. Distressed at Jerusalem’s Plight (2:11-17)
C. Zion’s Plea (2:18-22)

Chapter 3
A. The Agony of Suffering (3:1-24)
B. Moving Out Of Darkness (3:25-39)
C. Self-examination, Complaint and Grief (3:40-48)
D. Prayer Based on Past Experience (3:49-66)

Chapter 4
A. Zion’s Continuing Torment (4:1-10)
B. Rejected by the LORD (4:11-16)
C. Helpless is man’s aid (4:17-20)
D. The Destiny of Edom and Zion (4:21-22)

Chapter 5
A. Plea for Attention (5:1-18)
B. Restore us! (5:19-22)

Works Cited
Subject Index
Index of Scriptures Quoted