Lamentations 1: Group Study Handout

Overview

The psalmist describes the city of Jerusalem's solitude. Once filled with people, she now sits lonely like a widow. Jerusalem weeps at night, with no one to comfort her (vv. 1-2). Judah has gone into captivity, suffering greatly. She finds no rest among the nations and faces her persecutors (vv. 3-5). The city's majesty has faded. Her princes are weak and like lost deer (vv. 6-7). Jerusalem remembers better days but recognizes her grievous sins that led to her suffering (vv. 8-10). The people cry out in distress and have given up their possessions for food (vv. 11-16). Zion is isolated and in despair, with no comfort in sight (vv. 17-21). The psalmist pleads for justice against her enemies, calling for Yahweh to see her pain (v. 22).

Key verse

“Jerusalem has grievously sinned. Therefore she has become unclean. All who honored her despise her, because they have seen her nakedness. Yes, she sighs, and turns backward.”

Lamentations 1:8 (WEB)

Outline

1. Lamentations 1:1–2 The City’s Solitude
2. Lamentations 1:3–5 Captivity and Affliction
3. Lamentations 1:6–7 Loss of Majesty
4. Lamentations 1:8–10 Recognition of Sin
5. Lamentations 1:11–16 Crying Out in Distress
6. Lamentations 1:17–21 Isolation and Despair
7. Lamentations 1:22 A Call for Justice

Discussion questions

1. In v2, who has dealt treacherously with Jerusalem?
2. In v6, what has happened to Jerusalem's princes?
3. The phrase 'Yahweh has afflicted her' in v5: what does it suggest about divine justice?
4. In v18, why does Jerusalem acknowledge her rebellion against Yahweh?
5. When have you felt like Jerusalem, with 'no one to comfort' you (v17)?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Lamentations 1: Lamentations 2, Jeremiah 4, Lamentations 4.

Before next time: read Lamentations 2.