Lamentations

Jerusalem is compared to a weeping woman who has been made a slave. She pleads for anyone to help but she has no one to come to her rescue or to the rescue of her warriors and children. They are paying for their sins and now are sorrowful because of them. They want their oppressors to pay for their sins too.

Principles: God’s discipline is in His timing and in His view (not ours).

This chapter describes the state of Jerusalem as it sees the consequences of sin in the people. Instead of joy the streets and temple are filled with anguish. The enemies of Israel and Jerusalem look on in satisfaction because of the suffering.

Principles: People will always be glad when you suffer if you represent righteousness. Sin leads to suffering.

This chapter paints the picture of the Lord’s discipline through two primary vantage points. It looks at it from the point of suffering through it and from its redemptive effects.

Principles: When you focus on God as your savior discipline is useful.

This chapter talks about how Jerusalem had fallen from its former glory. It had been healthy, whole, and powerful. It fell because it didn’t follow and honor God. Now it was in terrible condition but God’s anger towards Israel and Jerusalem was subsiding and they would be rescued. God’s anger would turn towards Israel’s enemies.

Principles: When the blessings of God become the focus they will fade.

The writer shares the tribulations that they are going through from the sins of their ancestors. He asks if God is still angry with us or has forgotten us. The writer seems to try to remind himself of God’s goodness but is overwhelmed.

Principles: The sins of the parents are visited on the children.