Mourning a National tragedy LAMENTATIONS Mourning a National tragedy

LAMENTATIONS: The Book Apparently written shortly after the Fall of Jerusalem (587 B.C.). City is still desolate & in shock Shows fulfillment of warnings given by Jeremiah, who may be the author Consists of at least 5 separate poems, most of them acrostic Classified among “The Writings” in the Hebrew Bible. Still read in synagogues on 9th of Ab to commemorate the destruction of Jerusalem

LAMENTATIONS: Major Characters Jerusalem – Described as a widow left desolate & w/out consolation The Narrator – Speaks in 1st person singular in 3:1 (“I am the man who has seen affliction”) The Survivors/Exiles – Look on in horror at what has happened to them & to their city The Lord – Doesn’t speak, but is the cause of the devastation, & Narrator speaks to Him

LAMENTATIONS: National Tragedy For the Jews, Jerusalem was the center of the universe, the “holy city” where God dwelled Jer. 7 shows the false confidence the people placed in the Temple When Jerusalem & Temple were destroyed, it created a crisis of faith & of identity: Was Israel’s God really greater than the gods of the nations? Were they really His people? W/out a Temple, there could be no sacrifices or feast days Made them wonder: Is there any hope?

LAMENTATIONS: Themes Mourning for Jerusalem’s shame & destruction Acknowledgement of sin as the cause of the disaster Plea for God’s mercy Hope for future restoration

LAMENTATIONS: Key Verses “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in Him.” Lamentations 3:22-24

LAMENTATIONS: Lessons for Today Sometimes individuals, nations, & churches need to _____________. Unrepented sin brings terrible _____________, both personally & nationally. There is always _________, regardless of our sin & degradation. _____________ in faith is a Godly response to suffering, & is sometimes all we can do. The keys to receiving God’s forgiveness include ______________ of sin, ____________ God, & _____________ Him to be faithful & give mercy.