OUTLINE OF LAMENTATIONS

By Gene McCarty

    The book of Lamentations is a book well worth reading and study as it is a book specially written to remind men of the price of sin. The book was written by Jeremiah and the events described begin about 587 B.C. It is written in poetic form, and would be even more interesting in the Hebrew. 
    For much of this writing the first letter of each stanza begins with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet in sequence. It may be that it was written in this way to allow for easy memorization of the text. 
    This text reveals the truth of the previous prophesy by Jeremiah. A great destruction was promised if the people did not repent and this is the story of that destruction. One of the greatest lessons ever to be learned is the terrible price of sin, and this is one of the beautiful writings that displays the lesson very clearly. It is of special interest to notice the use of the 'Lord' in this text. When trouble comes our way we are reminded of our need for our Lord.

1. The first chapter describes the bitter anguish of the city of Jerusalem. The city that a few years earlier was the home of the worlds most successful government is now in ruins. The people are carried away into captivity and the city is a smoldering ruin. This great city conquered not so much by a foreign army, but by sin.
    

2. Chapter 2 introduces us to the Lord and his great power. Judgment has been exercised on this people and the Lord has shown his anger. The people have remembered only the Lord's part of the covenant that they had made with him. Since they had forgotten their part and failed to keep the covenant, the city lays in waste. The situation was so bad that women had fed on their own children and priests had been killed while in the sanctuary. All the enemies of the Jewish people were celebrating.
    

3. The destruction that the Lord has sent on his people is the focus of the 3rd chapter. The description of this tragedy is very great, yet in the midst of the chapter it is noted that the love of the lord is preserving the people and that their only hope is to return to Him. The last request of this chapter is for the Lord's redemption.
    

4. In chapter 4 the focus is on the tremendous value changes of this people. Those things usually given the highest value are now nearly worthless. The love that they have felt in their hearts is almost consumed by the tragedy. In fact no one on the earth would have believed how severe the situation had become without seeing it for themselves.
    

5. The last chapter is a prayer for compassion and forgiveness. It describes the the sad lot of captivity, and the plight of those who chose sinners for parents