Lamentations- Introduction

Additional Details

• Author: Jeremiah
• Audience: The people of Judah and Jerusalem
• Original Hebrew Name: איכה
• Translated Greek Name: Θρῆνοι
• Common English Name: Lamentations
• Transliteration: Eikhah
• Meaning: Lamentations
• Date Created: c 586 BCE
• Content Reference Time: c 586 BCE
• Key Individuals:
  • Jeremiah
  • The people of Jerusalem
• Key Themes:
  • Jeremiah mourns for Jerusalem (Lamentations 1:1-22)
  • G-d punishes the sin of nations (Lamentations 2:1-22)
  • Hope remains in the midst of affliction (Lamentations 3:1-66)
  • G-d's anger will be satisfied (Lamentations 4:1-22)
  • Jeremiah pleads for restoration (Lamentations 5:1-22)
• Date Canonized: c 499-100 BCE
• Abstract:

  The book of Lamentations is both history and poetry: it is a compilation of five poems that provide historical background on the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians. It has been described as a eulogy mourning the loss of the kingdom of Judah and its capital, Jerusalem. Although it is primarily dark and mournful, the book contains bright rays of hope which reveal that G-d's compassion is new every morning and His faithfulness is great, even to those who do not deserve it.

• Location Created: Outside Jerusalem
• Content Location: Jerusalem
• Teaches:
  • Jerusalem was destroyed as a consequence of sin.
  • Even in the midst of judgment and destruction, G-d has mercy.
  • Sin has severe consequences.
  • There is always hope in G-d's redemption.

   

• Chapters: 5
• Verses: 154