The Basics: A Brief Overview of the Book of Lamentations

The Basics course is designed to help brothers and sisters in Christ, who have a desire for a brief study over each of the books of the Bible. While being more than just a timeline, it is designed to give a person a more realistic overview of the entire Bible. As well as pointing out different highlights along the way. Imagine riding in a car and seeing exit signs for a town. Each sign gives a brief glimpse of what is inside, while if you wanted to thoroughly investigate the town you would have to take the exit. This series is a collected work of the books of the Bible while continuing to drive past each of the exits. I would encourage you to take any exit and allow the Lord God to direct your path to where He would guide. 

The Bible is written into 66 different books. Each one unique on its own but designed to be with its other collected works. 

Cautionary Note: This work is not to argue for the authenticity of the Bible nor is it to argue over the mechanics of how God used man to write His Words. This is designed as an overview for someone to review the book in passing. Nevertheless, we here at Mill House Ministries believe that the Bible is without error and was written by God, through His divine attributes, through man. 

These overviews are sequenced in the below fashion. Each overview is designed to flow in unison. 

1.) Introduction

2.) Who wrote it

3.) When did they write it

4.) Key topics

5.) Key sections

6.) Books that interact with each other

7.) Analysis of the Book

As previously stated, if you find yourself drawn to one of these books, please take the time and see what God is wanting to show you in that book. 

BASICS COURSE: 

Lamentations

INTRODUCTION: 

The sun had set, but he could still see the glow on the roof tops as if it had not. Through tear strained eyes the glistening flames could be seen engulfing the temple. Jerusalem was captured and the temple was destroyed. Babylonian soldiers crisscrossed through the city, killing those who were foolish enough to fight back and capturing the others. Years ago, Jeremiah thought the worst day of his life was when he was told Jerusalem’s fate, however seeing it happen was worst. At first, he didn’t notice but as he sat weeping, he slowly felt the subtle but growing desire to cry out to God. Remembering God’s righteousness was the only thing he had left; it was all he could grasp, a hope of salvation coming.

WHO WROTE IT: 

Lamentations is written by Jeremiah.

WHEN DID THEY WRITE IT: 

According to Biblical scholars, archaeologists, theologians, and historians, Jeremiah is written close to but before 583 B.C. when Jeremiah was forced to leave Judah.  

KEY TOPICS:

Lamentations is a book of sadness and loss. Jeremiah was told by God to tell Judah what would happen if they did not listen, and now years later he would witness what he had warned about. The book is a declaration of God being in control.

KEY SECTIONS: 

The book is simple to read, but powerful in emotion. The reader is swept in the scene which Jeremiah is witnessing, but also his personal reflection on God. Due to the shortness of the book, many have believed it is one section. However, when you look closer you can see that Jeremiah is possibly going through the five stages of grief.

BOOKS THAT INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER: 

Lamentations is a book which carries significant cultural reference for the Jewish nation, but also why the Jews during the New Testament acted in such a manner. For this reason, Lamentations must be recognized as one of the most influential, but least quoted books of the Bible.

ANALYSIS OF THE BOOK: 

There are no coincidences with God. The first temple is destroyed in Jeremiah’s day, while centuries later the second temple would be destroyed by Rome on the same day. While all should read Lamentations, we should not take the book lightly. This book is only a foreshadow of the grief that Daniel and Jesus Christ Himself prophesied about with the Jewish nation and the desolation coming. Lamentations shows the causation of bitterness when we harden our heart to God. Sometimes God must take radical steps to wake us up. I was once told, “Pray to be a quick student” I would argue as believers we need to understand the lesson Lamentations has for us today. God does not take lightly to sin, and His promises to the Jewish people are still present and eternal. Do not take this book for rejection of Israel, but rather the rejection of those who thought they were righteous on their own actions.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL