Lamentations

Jerusalem is personified as a deserted widow. Former allies have betrayed her and her children are in exile. She admits her many sins, recognizes God’s righteous judgment, and pleads for passers-by—and for God—to notice her unique sorrow and repay her enemies.

The LORD, now acting as an enemy, destroys Zion without pity, dismantling its walls, worship, and leadership. Children starve, prophets prove false, and nations mock. Zion is urged to weep day and night and cry out to God for mercy.

An individual sufferer describes intense affliction yet remembers that the LORD’s steadfast love and daily mercies bring hope. He affirms it is good to wait quietly, calls the community to repent, and prays for God to judge their persecutors.

Zion’s former splendor has turned to ash: nobles are unrecognizable, mothers cannibalize their infants, and prophets and priests are guilty of bloodshed. Zion’s punishment will end, but Edom’s judgment is coming.

A communal prayer recounts disgrace—land seized, hunger, slavery, rape, and mockery. The people confess sin and beg the eternal LORD to remember them, restore their fortunes, and not reject them forever.