# Introduction to Lamentations

### Outline of the Book of Lamentations

1. First lament: Yahweh and his people have abandoned Jerusalem (1:1–22) 
1. Second lament: Yahweh was angry with Jerusalem and caused it to be destroyed (2:1–22)
1. Third lament (3:1-66)
    - The people grieve (3:1–20)
    - Yahweh comforts those who turn back to him (3:21–39)
    - Judah is learning to return to Yahweh (3:40–54)
    - Judah cries out to be avenged of its enemies (3:55–66)
1. Fourth lament: The terrors of the siege of Jerusalem (4:1-4:22)
    - The people's sin caused Jerusalem to be punished (4:1–20)
    - Their being punished satisfied Yahweh's wrath for their sin (4:21–22a)
    - Edom will be punished also (4:22b)
1. Fifth lament: The broken nation cries out to Yahweh (5:1–22)

### What is the Book of Lamentations about?

The Babylonians captured the city of Jerusalem in 586 B.C.  In the Book of Lamentations, the writer describes how God allowed Jerusalem to be destroyed because the people sinned against him. However, the writer also states that God is always loving and faithful to his people. 

### Who wrote the Book of Lamentations?

The text of Lamentations does not give the name of the author. The traditional view is that Jeremiah wrote it. The writer seems to have personally seen Jerusalem destroyed. The serious and grieving words in the Book of Jeremiah are similar to those in the Book of Lamentations.