Key word: Lament
Lamentations is the short follow-up book written by Jeremiah at the time of the fall of Jerusalem around 586 B.C. It is exactly what the title claims it to be – a lament, an expression of great sorrow over the awful judgment and destruction of Judah and Jerusalem due to the unrepentant defiance by the Jews in Jerusalem. The prophet is crushed, heart broken over the desolation of the land and people he loved.
Right in the middle of Jeremiah’s cries we find an oasis of hope. By 3:17, Jeremiah could find no peace or happiness. By v. 18, his strength and hope are gone. He is finding himself becoming bitter toward the Lord (vv. 8, 12-16, esp v. 14). As he reflected on his growing despair and bitterness (v. 19), the tide turns as he begins to meditate on God rather than his sorrows (v. 20). As he does, hope returns (v. 21), especially as he recalls the true nature of God. The Lord is filled with endless lovingkindnesses (v. 22). His compassions never cease, even when we have lost sight of them (v. 22) His faithfulness is beyond measure (v. 23).
As he reflects further on all this, he is conscious that it is the Lord who is his portion – that which he really needs (v. 24), and therefore, hope has returned for the Lord is good to those who wait on Him and seek Him (v. 25).
Our key verse is 3:22-23. So, while our key word is lament, the great take away from the book is the faithfulness of God.
Key verse: Lamentations 3:22-23 – “The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”
