The book of Lamentations is not expressly connected to any particular prophet, although tradition holds that it was written by Jeremiah. The book is a series of acrostic poems that express the deep sadness of the people of Judah over the destruction of Jerusalem. As a eulogy to a funeral, these laments are mourning a deep loss—in this case, the loss of a nation, and more importantly, the loss of their connection with God. God had chosen for his temple (and therefore his presence) to dwell in Jerusalem. As a result of prophetic judgment, the city was destroyed, signifying not only loss of homes and life, but of God’s presence and favor, as he had predicted would happen if the people were unfaithful. The people’s guilt and despair over this loss are profoundly pronounced through poems of lament, an expression of sorrow and crying out to the Lord. God’s people realize how deeply they have hurt God through their sin and unfaithfulness, and now show remorse through confession and repentance. The poet expresses the people’s despair, along with the personified Jerusalem, and in the midst of deep anguish turns to the Lord’s unfailing faithfulness and compassion. He calls for repentance, anticipating God’s deliverance and mercy, his judgment on the enemies that delivered destruction, and his ultimate restoration. Lamentations is meant to produce hope in the God whose mercies are “new every morning” and who is faithful even to those who are unfaithful. Listen as John walks through an important book that speaks to our own need for sorrow, repentance, hope and ultimate restoration.