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Why was the book of Lamentations given that title? In what way does this express a realistic view of life?
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Jeremiah lamented over the spiritual condition of Israel, this constant rebellion , followed by repentance followed by rebellion seemingly on an constant loop. It is much like our lives , the battle between good and evil , the spirit and the flesh ,only now we have the full mercy and grace of Christ.
There is therefore now no condemnation for them that are in Christ Jesus. -
Jeremiah was lamenting the nation of Israel. These are his words due to the disobedience and these are his words of expression.
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Lamentations is given this title because it shows grief but also what could have been avoided. The people look at the destruction and realize that it was due to their disobedience and this was the consequences of that disobedience. However, there are notes of hope and God’s love interspersed throughout. This book applies to life now as well as showing out disobedience will cause consequences but God’s love and mercy when we repent of our sins also shows God’s forgiveness.
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It was a lament over the continual repeating failure of God’s people. In all the time from the OT until now we still continue this repeating failure.
Fortunately for us God does not leave us in that failure and separation.
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This is Jeremiah’s lament over the disobedience of God’s people and the destruction of Jerusalem as a result of that disobedience. Lamentations is a realistic view of life on so many levels – God always judges sin, especially sin in His own people – Even in the midst of God’s judgement we still see his loving mercy – As we repent God is always there to restore us to relationship with Him. The hinge verse in Jeremiah is 3: 22-23
22 It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
