The Book of Lamentations (2024)

Abstract

"In this commentary, Joshua Berman considers Lamentations as a literary work that creates meaning for a community in the wake of tragedy through its repudiation of Zion theology. Drawing from studies in collective trauma, his volume is the first study of Lamentations that systematically accounts for the constructed character of the narrator, a pastoral mentor who engages in a series of dialogues with a second constructed character, daughter Zion, who embodies the traumatized community of survivors. In each chapter, the pastoral mentor speaks to a different religious typology and a different sub-community of post-destruction Judeans, working with daughter Zion to reconsider her errant positions and charting for her a positive way forward to reconnecting with the Lord. Providing a systematic approach to the careful structure of each of its chapters, Berman illuminates how biblical writers offered support to their communities in a way that is still relevant and appealing to a therapy-conscious contemporary society."-- Provided by publisher.

Original languageAmerican English
Place of PublicationCambridge
PublisherCambridge University Press,
Number of pages183
ISBN (Print)110833492X, 1108424414, 1108440142
StatePublished - 2023

Publication series

Name New Cambridge Bible commentary

Keywords

  • Bible Lamentations$$QBible Lamentations -- Commentaries

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Berman, J. (2023). The Book of Lamentations. ( New Cambridge Bible commentary). Cambridge University Press,.

Berman, Joshua. / The Book of Lamentations. Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, 2023. 183 p. ( New Cambridge Bible commentary).

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title = "The Book of Lamentations",

abstract = "{"}In this commentary, Joshua Berman considers Lamentations as a literary work that creates meaning for a community in the wake of tragedy through its repudiation of Zion theology. Drawing from studies in collective trauma, his volume is the first study of Lamentations that systematically accounts for the constructed character of the narrator, a pastoral mentor who engages in a series of dialogues with a second constructed character, daughter Zion, who embodies the traumatized community of survivors. In each chapter, the pastoral mentor speaks to a different religious typology and a different sub-community of post-destruction Judeans, working with daughter Zion to reconsider her errant positions and charting for her a positive way forward to reconnecting with the Lord. Providing a systematic approach to the careful structure of each of its chapters, Berman illuminates how biblical writers offered support to their communities in a way that is still relevant and appealing to a therapy-conscious contemporary society.{"}-- Provided by publisher.",

keywords = "Bible Lamentations$$QBible Lamentations -- Commentaries",

author = "Joshua Berman",

year = "2023",

language = "American English",

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series = " New Cambridge Bible commentary",

publisher = "Cambridge University Press,",

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Berman, J 2023, The Book of Lamentations. New Cambridge Bible commentary, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

The Book of Lamentations. / Berman, Joshua.
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2023. 183 p. ( New Cambridge Bible commentary).

Research output: Book/ReportBookpeer-review

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AB - "In this commentary, Joshua Berman considers Lamentations as a literary work that creates meaning for a community in the wake of tragedy through its repudiation of Zion theology. Drawing from studies in collective trauma, his volume is the first study of Lamentations that systematically accounts for the constructed character of the narrator, a pastoral mentor who engages in a series of dialogues with a second constructed character, daughter Zion, who embodies the traumatized community of survivors. In each chapter, the pastoral mentor speaks to a different religious typology and a different sub-community of post-destruction Judeans, working with daughter Zion to reconsider her errant positions and charting for her a positive way forward to reconnecting with the Lord. Providing a systematic approach to the careful structure of each of its chapters, Berman illuminates how biblical writers offered support to their communities in a way that is still relevant and appealing to a therapy-conscious contemporary society."-- Provided by publisher.

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Berman J. The Book of Lamentations. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2023. 183 p. ( New Cambridge Bible commentary).

The Book of Lamentations (2024)

FAQs

What is the main message in the book of Lamentations? ›

The book of Lamentations reveals Judah's pathetic condition following the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem, which occurred as a result of the people's sins and disregard for prophetic warnings. By studying Lamentations students can gain insight into the sorrow, remorse, and consequences that can accompany sin.

What are the three purposes of the book of Lamentations? ›

The book of Lamentations demonstrates the purpose and power of turning to God, laying out our complaints, asking him for help, and choosing to trust. It not only serves as a memorial to the destruction of Jerusalem, but it also shows us how to pray when the dark clouds of suffering roll in.

What lesson can be learned from the book of Lamentations? ›

Lamentations reminds us of the importance not only of mourning over our sin but of asking the Lord for His forgiveness when we fail Him. Much of Jeremiah's poetry concerns itself with the fallen bricks and cracking mortar of the overrun city.

What is the summary of the Lamentations? ›

Lamentations articulates the pain experienced in the collapse of Judah and Jerusalem, in 586 B.C.E. Third-person narration both describes and explains the suffering, but the book insistently moves toward direct, first-person articulation of the unbearable pain and devastation and God's responsibility for it.

What does God teach us in Lamentations? ›

In reading Lamentations, we come to understand more deeply the consequences of human sin. The historical events in the book serve as a foreshadowing of the final judgment to come on the day of the Lord. The common grace we presently enjoy is temporary. At the end of days, Christ will come to judge all men.

What is the moral of the Lamentations? ›

Lament exposes dark deeds to the light and brings God's mercy and grace to bear, for lament almost always ends with hope: Things aren't what they are supposed to be, but with God there is forgiveness and restoration.

What was the most prominent message God spoke in Lamentations? ›

The central message of Lamentations for the church today around the world is that of God's sustaining grace in the midst of suffering.

What does Lamentations introduce us to? ›

Introduction. The book of Lamentations expresses the humiliation, suffering, and despair of Jerusalem and her people following the destruction of the city by the Babylonians in 587 BCE.

What is unique about Lamentations? ›

Lamentations consists of five distinct (and non-chronological) poems, corresponding to its five chapters. Two of its defining characteristic features are the alphabetic acrostic and its qinah meter. However, few English translations capture either of these; even fewer attempt to capture both.

What is the point of Lamentations in the Bible? ›

These biblical poems of lament are a form of protest. They draw everyone's attention, including God's, to the horrible things that happen in his world that should not be tolerated. They are also a way of processing emotion. In these poems, God's people vent their anger and dismay at the ruin caused by sin and violence.

What important lessons can you draw for your own life from Lamentations? ›

Lessons from Lamentations
  • Actions have consequences. How lonely sits the city. ...
  • Disobedience leads to desolation. God promised his people great blessing if they would continue in obedience. ...
  • We need correction. Your prophets have seen for you. ...
  • There is a way back. But this I call to mind, ...
  • God is our only hope. He is sovereign.
Jun 25, 2019

Why read Lamentations? ›

Lamentations displays the severity of sin and the holiness of God. The book is a poetic memorial—a recounting and a warning. It rehearses the suffering and the grief connected to the sacking of the City of David, and it cautions us about what happens when human rebellion reaches a “red line.”

What is the main theme of Lamentations? ›

Theme. The key passage in Lamentations is 3:19–24, which affirms that belief in God's mercy and faithfulness is the key to a restored relationship with God. Forgiveness is possible even for people who have deserved God's judgment (Lamentations 1:18). Hope, not despair, is the central theme in Lamentations.

How does Lamentations point to Jesus? ›

Lamentations Points to Jesus, the Ultimate Grief-Bearer

These Old Testament texts provide the paradigm for the coming of Jesus, who would come as the true Israel of God to stand in the place of many and take the burden of sin and sorrow upon himself, so that humanity might be reconciled to God.

What is the big idea of the Lamentations? ›

The key passage in Lamentations is Lamentations 3:19–24, where the speaker affirms that belief in God's mercy and faithfulness is the key to a restored relationship with God. This fact is true even for people who have merited and received God's judgment (Lam. 1:18). Hope, not despair, is the final word in Lamentations.

What is Lamentations mainly about? ›

These biblical poems of lament are a form of protest. They draw everyone's attention, including God's, to the horrible things that happen in his world that should not be tolerated. They are also a way of processing emotion. In these poems, God's people vent their anger and dismay at the ruin caused by sin and violence.

What is significant about lamentation? ›

The painting depicts the mourning of Jesus' death, as his body is being prepared for burial by Mary and other figures from the Bible. This painting is considered one of his most significant works and is in the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua, Italy.

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