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
