| Testament: | Old |
| Description: | Lamentations is the twenty-fifth book of the Bible and a collection of poetic laments over the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the people of Judah. The book mourns the loss of the city and temple, reflects on the suffering of the people, and acknowledges the justice of God's judgment. Yet, amidst the sorrow, Lamentations also expresses hope in God's steadfast love and faithfulness, and the possibility of renewal and restoration. |
| Chapters: | 1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 |
| Author name: | Jeremiah (traditionally attributed) |
| Written date: | Around 586 BC |
| Location: | Jerusalem |
| Genre: | Poetry |
| Chapter count: | 5 |
| Verse count: | 154 |
| Language: | Hebrew |
| Audience: | The people of Judah and Jerusalem, and all who mourn |
| Theme: | Lament over the destruction of Jerusalem and the hope for restoration |
| Key verses: | Lamentations 1:1; Lamentations 3:22-23; Lamentations 5:19-22 |
| Summary: | Lamentations is the twenty-fifth book of the Bible and consists of five poetic laments over the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. The book expresses deep sorrow and grief, but also contains expressions of hope and faith in God's mercy and restoration. |
| Outline: | I. The Desolation of Zion (1:1-22)
II. The Lord's Anger (2:1-22)
III. Hope in the Lord's Mercy (3:1-66)
IV. The Siege of Jerusalem (4:1-22)
V. Prayer for Restoration (5:1-22) |