Lamentations

The Book of Lamentations is a collection of five poignant poems that express deep anguish in response to the destruction of Jerusalem. Written by the prophet Jeremiah, it reflects the devastation caused by the Babylonian invasion in 587 B.C. after a prolonged siege. The city’s fall led to immense suffering, and Jeremiah’s words capture both the heartache and a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. The book serves as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness even in times of great sorrow.

Lamentations pictures a man of God puzzling over the results of evil and suffering in the world. However, while Job dealt with unexplained evil, Jeremiah lamented a tragedy entirely of Jerusalem’s making. The people of this once great city experienced the judgment of the holy God, and the results were devastating. But at the heart of this book, at the center of this lament over the effects of sin in the world, sit a few verses devoted to hope in the Lord. This statement of faith standing strong in the midst of the surrounding darkness shines as a beacon to all those suffering under the consequences of their own sin and disobedience. 

Scripture Reading