Another Look at the Book of Lamentations Quiz

Answer: Twenty-two verses

Except for the third chapter, the other chapters are twenty-two verses each. In the original Hebrew text, chapters 1, 2, and 4 are acrostics, where each verse starts with one of the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet in order. Chapter 3 has sixty-six verses while Chapter 5 has twenty-two verses but lacks the alphabetization of an acrostic.

The acrostic format is not specifically maintained in the English translation I am using.

Answer: Jerusalem

Jerusalem is mentioned by name multiple times including 1:7, 1:8, and 2:15. Zion, which serves as a stand-in throughout the Bible, is mentioned several times in the Book of Lamentations including 1:4, 1:6, and 1:17. Zion is a reference to Mount Zion, a hill in the vicinity of the Temple.

Answer: Jeremiah

Jeremiah has been viewed as the traditional author of the Book of Lamentations, in addition to the Books of Kings and, of course, the Book of Jeremiah. He came from a priestly background and lived in the late 7th century and early 6th century BCE. He was said to have been assisted in this endeavor by his friend Baruch, who himself wrote the Book of Baruch (included in Catholic and Orthodox versions of the Bible). Nowadays, it is viewed as more likely unsure who was the author of the Book of Lamentations.

Answer: After the fall of Jerusalem

The general consensus is that the Book of Lamentations was written shortly after the fall of Jerusalem. This fits with the generally mournful tone of the work. It includes the sense of despair and suffering common at the time of the fall. It describes a deserted city that lies abandoned.

Answer: Five chapters

The full length of the Book of Lamentations in the King James Version is only five chapters and less than 200 verses in total. In general, the book focuses on the despair associated with the fall of Jerusalem. Although the Book of Lamentations is short, its original layout is organized around free-verse poems that are largely based on the Hebrew alphabet.

The acrostic structure is not generally maintained in English translations, including the translation I am using, the King James Version.

Answer: Widow

The word "widow" is used near the beginning of this work (1:1). The other words of the chapter metaphorically relate to this widow (solitary, weeping, none to comfort). The general tone is like a funeral dirge. The foretold outcome is seemingly bleak.

Answer: Yes

In the Book of Lamentations, the wrath of God, though slow in gathering, is considered justified. There are a number of cases where injustice towards the poor is described. In addition, the people of Israel are described as allowing the worship of other gods for far too long. Even with God's wrath being justified, the prophet asks that justice be tempered with mercy.

Answer: God

As is indicated in many other points in the Bible, the people are instructed to trust and hope in God. Other parts of the Bible, including Isaiah and Psalms, are referenced in Chapter 3. This is based on the connection of God with justice. "The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him." (King James version, Lamentations 3:24).

Answer: Things were better in the past.

The main idea of the chapter is that things have gotten worse. This makes sense since Jerusalem has suffered a multi-year siege and conquest. The wealthy who once enjoyed fine meals are reduced to searching through the dirt. (King James version, Lamentations 4:5). Royal leaders who once displayed splendor are now unrecognizable.

Answer: Rejection

The idea of rejection or ignoring is mentioned at several points in the fifth chapter. "But thou has utterly rejected us" (5:22). These references entire chapter emphasizes this harsh, negative treatment.