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| LAMENTATIONS An appendage to the book of Jeremiah, the last chapter of Jeremiah should be read as an introduction to this book. The Septuagint(translation from Greek into Hebrew) gives this prefix: "And it came to pass after Israel was led into captivity and Jerusalem was laid waste, that Jeremiah sat weeping, and lamented this lamentation over Jerusalem." It is often referred to as a funeral dirge over the Desolation of Jerusalem. The purpose of this book is to show people that to disobey God is to invite diaster, and to show that God suffers when his people suffer. It was written by Jeremiah soon after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. by the Babylonians, who killed her people, tortured or held them captive. The key verse in this book is in Chapter 2: 11, Mine eyes do fail with tears, my bowels are troubled, my liver is poured upon the earth, for the destruction of the daughter of my people; because the children and the sucklings swoon in the streets of the city. Three strands of Hebrew thought meet in Lamentations....prophecy, ritual, and wisdom. Lamentations is written the rhythm and style of ancient Jewish funeral songs or chants. It contains five poems corresponding to the five chapters. The prophecy had been fulfilled, that God had warned that he would destroy them if they abandoned him. Now, afterward, the people realize their condition and confess their sin. God's warnings are justified. He does what he says he will do. His punishment for sin is certain. Only by confessing and renouncing our sin can we turn to him for deliverance. How much better to do so before his warning are fulfilled. God's compassion was at work even when the Isrealites were experiencing the affliction of their Babylonian conquerors. Although the people had been unfaithful, God's faithfulness was great he used this affliction to bring his people back to him. God will always be faithful to his people. His merciful, refining work is evident even in affliction. At those times, we must pray for forgiveness and turn to him for deliverance. God was angry at the prolonged rebellion by his people. Sin was the cause of their misery and destruction was the result of their sin. The destruction of the nation shows the vanity of human glory and pride. To continue in rebellion against God is to invite disaster. We must never trust our own leadership, resources, intelligence, or power more than God. If we do, we will experience consequences similiar to Jerusalem's. God's mercy in sparing some of the people offers hope for better days. One day the people will be restored to a true and fervent relationship with God. Only God can deliver us from sin. Without him there is no comfort or hope for the future. Because of Christ's death for us and his promise to return, we have a bright hope for tomorrow. In spite of its horrible sufferings, Jerusalem failed to learn its lesson. After the Captivity it was rebuilt, and in Jesus' day had again become a great and powerful city, and climaxed its sin by crucifying the Son of God. ** Then followed its eradication by the armies of Rome ( A. D. 70, see....Hebrews, chapter 13) *~*~*~* BOOK OF TEARS Unrequited love and broken promises, Led them to death and destruction. The carnal man with his many vices Refused to obey the law and instructions. Jeremiah grieving and forlorn, As salty fluid flowed like a river. Why, oh why would they scorn, The God who promised to deliver. Lamenting for the carnage and loss Recording each groan and word in score, Leaving a message about the cost. For relations to read ever more. *~*~* Laying forth a lesson well learned, Of the price of disobedience and shame. Because they denied God and spurned, The blessings that could have been lain. With God's warnings now justified, The survivors repented of their sins, And now there was hope in their lives, For turning it all over to Him. So from this Book we know the pain Of death, destruction and tears. So pray and Praise our Father's NAME, Throughout your remaining years. Written by Shirley Barr May 30, 2005 References used: Life Application Bible, copyright 1996 Halley's Bible Handbook, copyright 1962 |
