Five acrostic poems lamenting the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon — one of the most concentrated expressions of grief, desolation, and theological questioning in world literature.
The literary form of lament as a theological response to catastrophe: neither stoic acceptance nor blasphemous rejection, but honest articulation of desolation before God. The city personified as a bereaved woman. 'Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by? Behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow.' The theological question: how can God allow this? Genre-defining for biblical lament.
Discussing
Ask anything about Lamentations — their ideas, influences, contradictions, legacy.
Sign in to start a conversation.