REVIEW OF CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO 1. What are the two major divisions of the first poem? 2. What is the significance of the word how which begins chapter 1, 2 and 4? 3. How does memory play a part in the punishment for sin? See Lamentations 1:7. 4. What verses in chapter 1 indicate the poet's awa... [ Continue Reading ]
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO A WIDOWED CITY Lamentations 1:1-22 Chapter one of Lamentations has two major divisions. In Lamentations 1:1-11 the prophet laments the present condition of Zion. Twice in this unit the prophet alludes to his own personal agony over the destruction of Jerusalem (cf. Lamentations... [ Continue Reading ]
B. Explanation of the Present Condition of Zion Lamentations 1:8-9 a TRANSLATION (8) Jerusalem sinned grievously and therefore she has become filthy; all who once honored her now despise her, having seen her nakedness; even she herself sighs and turns away. (9) Her uncleanness was in her skirts!... [ Continue Reading ]
II. A LAMENT BY THE CITY Lamentations 1:12-22 In Lamentations 1:12-22 the lonely, tearful widow takes up her lament. She appeals to passers-by to take note of the incomparable agony of Zion (Lamentations 1:12-16). She appeals to neighboring nations to help her in her hour of need (Lamentations 1:17... [ Continue Reading ]
B. The Appeal to Neighboring Nations Lamentations 1:17-19 TRANSLATION (17) Zion spreads forth her hands, but there is none to comfort her. The LORD has given commandment concerning Jacob that his neighbors are to be his foes. Jerusalem has become a filthy thing among them. (18) Righteous is the LO... [ Continue Reading ]
C. The Appeal to God Lamentations 1:20-22 TRANSLATION (20) Behold, O LORD, for I am in distress, my inward parts are troubled, my heart is turned within me because I have grievously rebelled. In the streets the sword has caused loss of life, in the house there is death. (21) They hear that I sigh,... [ Continue Reading ]