Hebrew-English Text
I. Summary
The people complain about their wretched state, admit their guilt, and ask God to restore their previous glory.
II. Photo
The people cry out in v. 10: “Our skin glows like an oven, With the fever of famine!”
III. Important Verses
vv. 2-3: Our heritage has passed to aliens, Our homes to strangers. We have become orphans, fatherless; Our mothers are like widows.
v. 4: We must pay to drink our own water, Obtain our own kindling at a price.
v. 7: Our fathers sinned and are no more; And we must bear their guilt.
v. 8: Slaves are ruling over us, With none to rescue us from them.
vv. 11-12: They have ravished women in Zion, Maidens in the towns of Judah. Princes have been hanged by them; No respect has been shown to elders.
v. 16: The crown has fallen from our head; Woe to us that we have sinned!
IV. Outline
1. Invocation, initial plea
2-18. Communal complaint
19. Hymnic address
20-22. Petition
V. Comment
No comment today. I hope to revisit this chapter at the end of the cycle. Stay tuned.
VI. Works Used
(see “Commentaries” page)
Gerstenberger, Psalms Part 2 and Lamentations (Forms of Old Testament Literature)
Photo taken from http://peppermintcottage.com/Glowing_Fireplace.jpg
