How Lonely Lies the City! once so full of people! She who was great among the nations has become a widow. The princess of the provinces 2She weeps aloud in the night, with tears upon her cheeks. Among all her lovers there is no one to comfort her. All her friends have betrayed her; 3Judah has gone into exile under affliction and harsh slavery; she dwells among the nations but finds no place to rest. All her pursuers have overtaken her 4The roads to Zion mourn, because no one comes to her appointed feasts. All her gates are deserted; her priests groan, her maidens grieve, and she herself is bitter with anguish. 5Her foes have become her masters; her enemies are at ease. For the LORD has brought her grief because of her many transgressions. Her children have gone away 6All the splendor has departed from the Daughter of Zion. Her princes are like deer that find no pasture; they lack the strength to flee 7In the days of her affliction and wandering Jerusalem remembers all the treasures that were hers in days of old. When her people fell into enemy hands she received no help. Her enemies looked upon her, 8Jerusalem has sinned greatly; therefore she has become an object of scorn. All who honored her now despise her, for they have seen her nakedness;b she herself groans and turns away. 9Her uncleanness stains her skirts; she did not consider her end. Her downfall was astounding; there was no one to comfort her. Look, O LORD, on my affliction, 10The adversary has seized all her treasures. For she has seen the nations enter her sanctuary— those You had forbidden 11All her people groan as they search for bread. They have traded their treasures for food to keep themselves alive. Look, O LORD, and consider, 12Is this nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look around and see! Is there any sorrow like mine, which was inflicted on me, which the LORD made me suffer on the day of His fierce anger? 13He sent fire from on high, and it overpowered my bones. He spread a net for my feet and turned me back. He made me desolate, 14My transgressions are bound into a yoke,c knit together by His hand; they are draped over my neck, and the Lord has broken my strength. He has delivered me into the hands 15The Lord has rejected all the mighty men in my midst; He has summoned an army against med to crush my young warriors. Like grapes in a winepress, the Lord has trampled the Virgin Daughter of Judah. 16For these things I weep; my eyes flow with tears. For there is no one nearby to comfort me, no one to revive my soul. My children are destitute because the enemy has prevailed. 17Zion stretches out her hands, but there is no one to comfort her. The LORD has decreed against Jacob that his neighbors become his foes. Jerusalem has become 18The LORD is righteous, yet I rebelled against His command. Listen, all you people; look upon my suffering. My young men and maidens 19I called out to my lovers, but they have betrayed me. My priests and elders perished in the city while they searched for food 20See, O LORD, how distressed I am! I am churning within; my heart is pounding within me, for I have been most rebellious. Outside, the sword bereaves; 21People have heard my groaning, but there is no one to comfort me. All my enemies have heard of my trouble; they are glad that You have caused it. May You bring the day You have announced, so that they may become like me. 22Let all their wickedness come before You, and deal with them as You have dealt with me because of all my transgressions. For my groans are many, and my heart is faint. Footnotes: 1 a This chapter is an acrostic poem, each verse beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. 8 b Or her shame 14 c Most Hebrew manuscripts; other Hebrew manuscripts and LXX He kept watch over my sins 15 d Or has set a time for me Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Lamentations 1 Summary How Lonely Lies the City!Verses 1–2 – The Lonely City Verses 3–6 – Crushing Defeat and Leadership Collapse Verses 7–11 – Memories, Mockery, and Hunger Verses 12–17 – Suffering Under the LORD’s Hand Verses 18–22 – Confession and Call for Justice Lamentations 1, as the title suggests, is a song of lament, echoing with the painful cries of a devastated Jerusalem. This chapter paints a vivid portrait of the city that was once full of people, now sitting solitary. The first in a collection of five sorrowful poems, it reflects on the suffering and desolation experienced by the city due to the sins of its inhabitants. Historical Setting: The Fall of Jerusalem, 586 BC The poem rises from the smoking ruins left by Nebuchadnezzar (2 Kings 25; Jeremiah 52). Babylon breached the walls after eighteen months of siege, burned the Temple, deported thousands, and appointed Gedaliah as governor—who was soon assassinated. Lamentations captures the raw aftermath: famine pits, toppled stonework, and a shattered society. The disaster fulfilled warnings God had issued centuries earlier (Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28). Authorship and Structure Early Jewish and Christian tradition points to Jeremiah as the writer, fitting the prophet who witnessed the siege (Jeremiah 1 – 52). Chapter 1 is an alphabet poem: 22 verses matching the 22 Hebrew letters, each verse opening with the next letter. The ordered form contrasts with the chaos described—grief forced into a disciplined frame, showing that sorrow can be voiced, not silenced. Poetic Devices and Imagery • Personification: Jerusalem is “daughter,” “widow,” “princess,” and “slave.” • Reversal: once-thriving roads now “mourn” (v 4); former friends now foes (v 2). • Agricultural metaphors: leaders are deer without pasture (v 6), Judah is grapes crushed in a winepress (v 15). • Legal language: guilt admitted (v 18) and sentence accepted. Every device presses home a single truth—sin has consequences, and those consequences hurt. Key Themes: Sin, Sorrow, and the Righteous LORD 1. Sin Exposed: “Jerusalem has sinned greatly” (v 8). The poet never blames Babylon alone; the root problem is covenant unfaithfulness. 2. Divine Righteousness: The city affirms, “The LORD is righteous” (v 18). Judgment is not random; it is just. 3. Honest Lament: Tears, groans, and complaints appear in almost every verse. God welcomes the cries of the broken. 4. Hope Seeded: Even in ruin the people keep praying (vv 11, 20–22), hinting that relationship with God is bruised but not severed (cf. Hosea 6:1). Archaeological Insights • Burn layers in the City of David show a fierce fire dated to the early 6th century BC, matching biblical chronology. • Arrowheads of Babylonian type have been uncovered south of the Temple Mount. • The Babylonian Chronicles record Nebuchadnezzar’s 37th year (588-586 BC) campaign in Judah, giving outside confirmation. • A clay tablet (BM 21946) lists rations for “Jehoiachin, king of Judah,” echoing 2 Kings 25:27-30 and reminding us that the exile really happened. Connections to Other Scriptures • Deuteronomy 28:47-57 warned that siege, hunger, and exile would follow disobedience; Lamentations 1 reads like a line-by-line fulfillment. • Psalm 79 and 137 echo the same devastation but add national prayers for restoration. • Revelation 18, another lament over a fallen city, borrows wording from Lamentations, showing that God still judges proud powers. • Isaiah 1:21-26 foretold the transformation of a “faithful city” into a harlot; Isaiah 40-66 then promises comfort—answers Lamentations’ cries. Voice of the Sufferer: A Lesson in Honest Lament The chapter moves between narrator (third person) and city (first person). The switch invites readers to stand beside the ruins and then step inside them. Lamentations teaches believers to: • Describe pain in detail (“My eyes flow with tears,” v 16). • Link suffering with self-examination (“I have rebelled,” v 18). • Keep talking to God even when comfort is absent (“Look, O LORD,” vv 9, 11, 20). Practical Takeaways • Individual and communal sin carries real fallout; repentance is urgent, not optional. • Grief voiced to God is a form of worship; silence is not the only reverent response. • God’s justice is never arbitrary; His discipline is purposeful, aiming to restore (Hebrews 12:5-11). • When earthly supports vanish, the believer can still cling to God, trusting that His mercies are “new every morning” (Lamentations 3:23)—a hope foreshadowed even here in chapter 1. Forward Glimpse: From Ruins to Renewal The cries of chapter 1 prepare the way for the pivot in chapter 3: “Great is Your faithfulness!” The road runs through confession and tears, but it ends in restoration (Jeremiah 31:17; Zechariah 8:3-5). The fall of Jerusalem is tragic history, yet it points past itself to a cross where judgment and mercy meet—and to an empty tomb where grief gives way to praise. Connections to Additional Scriptures Jeremiah 52Provides historical context for the fall of Jerusalem, which Lamentations mourns. Psalm 137 Another lament over the destruction of Jerusalem, expressing the deep sorrow of the exiles. Isaiah 40:1-2 Offers comfort and hope of restoration after judgment. 2 Chronicles 36:15-21 Describes the reasons for Jerusalem's fall, emphasizing the people's persistent disobedience. Teaching Points The Desolation of JerusalemLamentations 1:1 describes Jerusalem as a city that was once full of people but now sits alone. This imagery highlights the stark contrast between Jerusalem's former glory and its current desolation. Personification of Jerusalem The city is personified as a widow and a slave, emphasizing its vulnerability and loss of status (Lamentations 1:1-3). The Consequences of Sin The chapter underscores that Jerusalem's suffering is a direct result of its sins and rebellion against God (Lamentations 1:5, 8). The Depth of Grief The lament captures the profound grief and mourning of the people, as seen in Lamentations 1:16, where tears flow unceasingly. Cry for Mercy Despite the overwhelming sorrow, there is a plea for the Lord to see and consider the affliction of His people (Lamentations 1:11). Practical Applications Reflect on Personal SinConsider how personal or communal sin can lead to spiritual desolation and seek God's forgiveness. Empathize with the Suffering Use the imagery of Lamentations to develop empathy for those who are experiencing loss and grief. Seek God in Desolation In times of personal desolation, turn to God in prayer, trusting that He sees and cares for our afflictions. Hope in Redemption Remember that even in the midst of judgment and sorrow, God's ultimate plan is one of redemption and restoration. People 1. Jerusalem (Daughter of Zion)Described as a personified city, Jerusalem is depicted as a woman who has lost her glory and is now in mourning and desolation. The Hebrew term "בת ציון" (bat Tzion) is often used to personify the city as a daughter or young woman. Lamentations 1:1 states, "How lonely lies the city, once so full of people! She who was great among the nations has become like a widow." 2. The LORD (Yahweh) Although not directly named in every verse, the presence and actions of the LORD are central to the narrative. The text attributes the suffering of Jerusalem to the LORD's judgment due to the people's sins. Lamentations 1:5 says, "The LORD has brought her grief because of her many transgressions." 3. The Enemies The adversaries of Jerusalem are mentioned as those who have triumphed over her. They are depicted as having caused the city's suffering and are part of the divine judgment. Lamentations 1:5 states, "Her foes have become her masters; her enemies are at ease." 4. The Priests and Elders These are the religious and community leaders who are now in mourning and suffering due to the destruction. Lamentations 1:4 mentions, "Her priests groan, her maidens grieve, and she is in bitter anguish." 5. The People of Jerusalem The inhabitants of the city are described as suffering and in distress. They are part of the collective personification of Jerusalem's grief. Lamentations 1:18 says, "The LORD is righteous, for I have rebelled against His command. Listen, all you peoples; look upon my suffering." Places 1. JerusalemReferred to as the city that was once full of people but now sits lonely. The Hebrew root for Jerusalem is "יְרוּשָׁלַיִם" (Yerushalayim), which is central to the lament as it represents the heart of the nation, now desolate and mourning. 2. Judah Mentioned as having gone into exile and suffering affliction. The Hebrew root "יְהוּדָה" (Yehudah) signifies the tribe and region that is now in distress, highlighting the broader impact of Jerusalem's fall. Events 1. Jerusalem's DesolationLamentations 1:1 describes the city of Jerusalem as "lonely" and "like a widow." The Hebrew word for "lonely" (אֵיכָה, 'eikah) conveys a deep sense of abandonment and desolation. The city, once populous and great among the nations, is now desolate. 2. Captivity and Affliction In Lamentations 1:3, it is noted that "Judah has gone into exile under affliction and harsh slavery." The Hebrew word for "affliction" (עֳנִי, 'oni) suggests suffering and oppression, highlighting the severe conditions faced by the people. 3. Loss of Rest Verse 3 also mentions that Judah "dwells among the nations but finds no rest." The Hebrew root for "rest" (מָנוֹחַ, manoach) implies a lack of peace and stability, emphasizing the ongoing turmoil. 4. Zion's Mourning Lamentations 1:4 states, "The roads to Zion mourn, for no one comes to her appointed feasts." The imagery of mourning roads (אֲבֵלִים, 'avelim) personifies the desolation and spiritual barrenness of Zion, once a place of joyful pilgrimage. 5. Enemies' Triumph In verse 5, "Her foes have become her masters; her enemies are at ease." The Hebrew word for "masters" (לְרֹאשׁ, l'rosh) indicates a reversal of roles, where those who were once subjugated now rule over Jerusalem. 6. Suffering of the People Lamentations 1:6 describes how "all her splendor has departed." The Hebrew term for "splendor" (הֲדָרָה, hadarah) refers to the glory and majesty that have been lost, symbolizing the people's suffering and loss of dignity. 7. Jerusalem's Sin and Consequence Verse 8 acknowledges, "Jerusalem has sinned greatly; therefore she has become an object of scorn." The Hebrew word for "sinned" (חָטָא, chata) underscores the moral and spiritual failings that led to the city's downfall. 8. Public Shame Lamentations 1:9 reveals, "Her filthiness clung to her skirts; she did not consider her future." The Hebrew word for "filthiness" (טֻמְאָה, tum'ah) signifies impurity and disgrace, highlighting the public shame Jerusalem faces. 9. Crying Out for Comfort In verse 16, the speaker laments, "For these things I weep; my eyes overflow with tears." The Hebrew root for "weep" (בָּכָה, bakah) conveys deep sorrow and a desperate cry for comfort and relief. 10. Plea for Justice Lamentations 1:18 declares, "The LORD is righteous, yet I rebelled against His command." The Hebrew word for "righteous" (צַדִּיק, tzaddik) affirms God's justice, while acknowledging the rebellion that led to the current suffering. Topics 1. Jerusalem's Desolation (Lamentations 1:1-2)The chapter opens with a vivid depiction of Jerusalem's desolation, described as a once-great city now sitting lonely and like a widow. The Hebrew word "אֵיכָה" (eikah), translated as "How," sets a tone of lament and astonishment at the city's fall. The text states, "How lonely lies the city, once so full of people!" . 2. Loss of Glory and Comfort (Lamentations 1:3-4) The passage describes the loss of glory and comfort, with Judah going into exile and finding no rest. The roads to Zion mourn because no one comes to the appointed festivals. The Hebrew root "נָחַם" (nacham), meaning to comfort, highlights the absence of solace. 3. Affliction and Suffering (Lamentations 1:5-6) Jerusalem's adversaries have become her masters, and her children have gone into captivity. The Hebrew word "צָרָה" (tzarah), meaning distress or affliction, underscores the depth of suffering. "Her foes have become her masters; her enemies are at ease" . 4. Remembrance of Past Splendor (Lamentations 1:7) The city remembers her past splendor during her days of affliction and wandering. The Hebrew root "זָכַר" (zakar), meaning to remember, emphasizes the contrast between past glory and present misery. 5. Sin and Consequence (Lamentations 1:8-9) Jerusalem's grievous sin is acknowledged as the cause of her downfall. The Hebrew word "חֵטְא" (chet), meaning sin, is central to understanding the moral and spiritual reasons for the city's suffering. "Jerusalem has sinned greatly; therefore she has become an object of scorn" . 6. Despair and Abandonment (Lamentations 1:10-11) The text describes the despair and feeling of abandonment as enemies plunder the city. The Hebrew root "שָׁדַד" (shadad), meaning to devastate or plunder, reflects the complete desolation. "All her people groan as they search for bread" . 7. Cry for Compassion (Lamentations 1:12-16) A cry for compassion is expressed, asking if any suffering is like hers. The Hebrew word "רַחֵם" (rachem), meaning to have compassion, is a plea for empathy. "Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by?" . 8. Acknowledgment of the Lord's Righteousness (Lamentations 1:17-18) The acknowledgment of the Lord's righteousness in allowing the calamity due to the people's rebellion. The Hebrew root "צָדַק" (tzadak), meaning to be righteous, affirms God's just nature. "The LORD is righteous, for I have rebelled against His command" . 9. Plea for Justice (Lamentations 1:19-22) The chapter concludes with a plea for justice against the enemies and a call for the Lord to see the affliction. The Hebrew root "שָׁפַט" (shafat), meaning to judge, is invoked as the speaker seeks divine intervention. "Let all their wickedness come before You; deal with them as You have dealt with me" . Themes 1. Desolation and MourningLamentations 1 opens with a vivid depiction of Jerusalem's desolation, emphasizing the city's loneliness and mourning. The Hebrew word "אֵיכָה" (eikah), translated as "How" in verse 1, sets a tone of lament and astonishment at the city's fallen state: "How lonely lies the city, once so full of people!" This theme highlights the profound sense of loss and abandonment experienced by Jerusalem. 2. Sin and Consequence The chapter underscores the direct link between sin and its consequences. In verse 5, it states, "Her foes have become her masters; her enemies are at ease, for the LORD has brought her grief because of her many transgressions." The Hebrew term "פֶּשַׁע" (pesha), meaning transgressions, indicates deliberate rebellion against God, leading to divine judgment. 3. Divine Judgment The theme of divine judgment is prevalent, as Jerusalem's suffering is portrayed as a result of God's righteous anger. Verse 12 asks, "Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look and see if there is any pain like my pain, which was inflicted on me, which the LORD brought on me in the day of His fierce anger." The Hebrew word "חֲרוֹן" (charon), meaning fierce anger, reflects the intensity of God's judgment. 4. Loss of Glory and Splendor The text laments the loss of Jerusalem's former glory and splendor. In verse 6, it says, "All the splendor has departed from the Daughter of Zion." The Hebrew word "הָדָר" (hadar), meaning splendor or majesty, emphasizes the stark contrast between Jerusalem's past and present state. 5. Isolation and Abandonment The theme of isolation is evident as Jerusalem feels abandoned by allies and lovers. Verse 2 states, "Among all her lovers, there is no one to comfort her." The Hebrew word "מְנַחֵם" (menachem), meaning comforter, highlights the absence of support and companionship. 6. Plea for Compassion Despite the overwhelming despair, there is a plea for compassion and understanding. In verse 9, the cry is, "Look, O LORD, on my affliction, for the enemy has triumphed!" This plea reflects a hope for divine intervention and mercy amidst suffering. 7. Acknowledgment of Sin The chapter includes an acknowledgment of sin and wrongdoing. In verse 18, it declares, "The LORD is righteous, for I have rebelled against His command." The Hebrew word "צַדִּיק" (tzaddik), meaning righteous, affirms God's justice in response to human rebellion. 8. Suffering and Grief The pervasive suffering and grief of Jerusalem are central to the chapter. Verse 20 captures this sentiment: "See, O LORD, how distressed I am! I am in torment within, and in my heart I am disturbed." The Hebrew word "מְעִי" (me'i), meaning inward parts or heart, conveys the deep emotional turmoil experienced by the city. Answering Tough Questions 1. Does archaeological evidence confirm that Jerusalem was truly deserted as stated in Lamentations 1:1? 2. How can a compassionate God allow such severe suffering as described in Lamentations 1:5? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What does Jerusalem's desolation tell us about the consequences of turning away from God? 2. How does the personification of Jerusalem affect your understanding of the text? 3. How does the image of Jerusalem as a solitary woman reflect the city's condition? 4. How can you relate the feeling of abandonment experienced by Jerusalem to personal experiences in your life? 5. How can the historical context of Lamentations 1 inform our understanding of suffering and divine judgement today? 6. In what ways does the suffering of Jerusalem encourage self-reflection? 7. In what ways does Lamentations 1 reveal the character of God? 8. What lessons can contemporary societies learn from the fall of Jerusalem? 9. How does the element of divine judgement in Lamentations 1 relate to concepts of justice in modern society? 10. How can we apply the lesson of Jerusalem's lament in our lives when we face consequences of our decisions? 11. How does the stark contrast between Jerusalem's past prosperity and present desolation serve as a warning for individuals and societies today? 12. How might the sins of Jerusalem correlate to the sins prevalent in today's society? 13. How can one find hope and comfort in times of desolation as Jerusalem did? 14. What does the chapter suggest about the role of prayer and lament in times of suffering? 15. What would be a contemporary equivalent of Jerusalem's disobedience and resulting suffering? 16. How can we prevent the spiritual decline that led to Jerusalem's downfall in our personal lives? 17. How does Jerusalem's plea for God to observe her suffering resonate with you? 18. How should a believer respond to suffering according to Lamentations 1? 19. How does Lamentations 1 inform our understanding of repentance? 20. What steps can individuals and communities take today to avoid the fate of Jerusalem as described in Lamentations 1? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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