The book of Lamentations is a written memorial to the most grievous suffering of the OT. We build memorials to fallen soldiers – “lest we forget.” Why do we do this? Because the generation that endures such suffering wants to communicate to all following generations: “Never again!”
But of course, such a desire is a forlorn hope. Sure, we say, “Never again” – but then there arises a generation that has no understanding of such suffering. And they fall into all the patterns and practices of the past – and before you know it – we’re here again.
The book of Lamentations serves as a memorial for the destruction of the temple in 587 BC. It stands as a monument – “lest we forget.”
The poetry of Lamentations “gives voice to those who were rendered voiceless in the vortex of violence.” “What can I say for you” (verse 13). The whole book of Lamentations is the answer. What can I say? I can pour out my heart and soul and give voice to your grief.
Have you ever felt like you can’t really be honest about your suffering? Maybe you feel like people will think that you are ‘blaming God.’ Lamentations does that.
Lamentations consists of a “battle-scarred theology in the midst of appalling suffering, yet doing so in poetry of remarkable verbal power, dramatic dialogue and structural skill” (Wright, 28).
There are two main voices in these poems – there is the shocked and horrified poet, and there is Lady Zion the desolate and ashamed and bereaved.
One voice is conspicuously absent. God never speaks in Lamentations.
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