Redemption in the Book of Lamentations

The book of Lamentations, evidenced by the English title, is a lament or expression of deep sorrow following a terrible catastrophe. The Hebrew title (Ekah) meaning “How!” or “Alas!” captures the feeling of the book. The destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BC because of the sin of Judah is the disastrous background of Lamentations. The author, thought by many to be Jeremiah, pours out his heart to God.

In the longest poem of the book, the suffering writer speaks as a representative of the entire people of Israel. He cries, “My soul has been rejected from peace; I have forgotten happiness. So I say, 'My strength has perished, and so has my hope from the Lord'” (3:17-18).

Is there any hope of redemption? In one of the most profound statements of faith in Scripture, the author affirms, “I recall this to my mind, therefore I wait. The Lord’s acts of mercy indeed do not end, for His compassions do not fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. 'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, 'Therefore I wait for Him.' (Lam. 3:21-24). One writer comments that the author of Lamentations argues, “If God is consistent enough to bring His justice on Israel’s evil, then He will also be consistent with His covenant promises and not allow evil and sin to have the last word.” How does redemption come? It comes for those who wait for the Lord.

Ben