Monthly Archives: October 2018

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

His Mercies Never End: Why Study the Book of Lamentations

Introduction
It was a massive national tragedy. Despite many prophetic warnings, the people of Southern Kingdom of Judah refused to repent and return to the Lord. The result was the invasion by Babylon of Judah, the destruction of Jerusalem and Solomon’s Temple, the disappearance of the Ark of the Covenant, and the deportation of the Judeans into 70 years of Babylonian captivity. The year: 586 BC.
Though Jeremiah foresaw all these things, he did not tell the remnant: ‘I told you so.’ On the contrary, he was extremely pained by the accuracy of his prophetic prediction regarding the conquest and destruction of the his holy city.
Yet, in the midst of the collective darkness, God’s character and light shined brighter than ever. Hence, to understand Lamentations is to understand God’s steadfast love, unceasing mercies, and larger-than-life faithfulness.
Hebrew Name of Lamentations
Ekah “Ah, how!”  Ginoth “Elegies’ or ‘Lamentations.’
Author of Lamentations
Jeremiah, the Weeping Prophet. Author of the Book of Jeremiah.
Portrait of Christ in Lamentations
Just as Jeremiah wept over Jerusalem, so did Jesus (Luke 19:41-44). Jeremiah’s recorded weeping was after the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem, Jesus’ weeping was before the Roman destruction. Both are known for their tears, intercession, compassion for the rebellious city. In addition, Christ is merciful, compassionate, and faithful.
Theme of Lamentations
It speaks of the sin-induced destruction of Jerusalem. Yet, as is common with the prophets, the same messenger of judgement doubles up as an envoy of mercy, grace, and future restoration. Despite the dark clouds, God hovers over them all. All who come to Him will find forgiveness, restoration, and glory.
Key Verses of Lamentations
The Lord was as an enemy: he hath swallowed up Israel, he hath swallowed up all her palaces: he hath destroyed his strong holds, and hath increased in the daughter of Judah mourning and lamentation. 6And he hath violently taken away his tabernacle, as if it were of a garden: he hath destroyed his places of the assembly: the LORD hath caused the solemn feasts and sabbaths to be forgotten in Zion, and hath despised in the indignation of his anger the king and the priest — Lamentations 2:5-6
It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness — Lamentations 3:22-23
Summary of Lamentations
Lamentations is five chapters long, which comprise five poems. Four of these are an alphabetical acrostics. They were written at Jeremiah’s grotto near the north wall of the Old City of Jerusalem, close to the famous Garden Tomb.
Essentially, in light of the horrible, self-inflicted tragedy that befell Judah and Jerusalem in 586 BC, there are some important lessons. For example, in the light of God’s chastening, His people should repent and turn to Him with wholeheartedness. Now that the predicted tragedy has unfolded, they can have a fresh beginning. Above all, they need to recognise that God is full of mercy and compassion, in the dark days and light days, so the sooner they turn to Him, the better.
In our day there has been a restoration of Judah, Jerusalem, and the Jewish people, despite exile, assimilation, and attempts at annihilation.
Outline of Lamentations
I.           Destroyed Jerusalem Needs Mercy
II.         Devastating Results of God’s Punishment of Jerusalem
III.      Inward Cry from Outward Chastening
IV.     The Fall of Jerusalem: In Terrifying Detail
V.        Final Cry and Plea for Restoration