E442 Navigating the Bible: Lamentations

Joy has left our hearts. Our dancing has Joy has left our hearts. Our dancing has turned to mourning. turned to mourning. turned to mourning. The garlands have fallen from our heads. The garlands have fallen from our heads. The garlands have fallen from our heads. Weep for us because we have sinned. Our Weep for us because we have sinned. Our Weep for us because we have sinned. Our hearts are sick and weary, and our eyes hearts are sick and weary, and our eyes hearts are sick and weary, and our eyes grow dim with tears. grow dim with tears. grow dim with tears. For Jerusalem is empty and desolate, a For Jerusalem is empty and desolate, a For Jerusalem is empty and desolate, a place haunted by jackals. place haunted by jackals. place haunted by jackals. But Lord, you remain the same forever. But Lord, you remain the same forever. But Lord, you remain the same forever. Your throne continues from generation to Your throne continues from generation to Your throne continues from generation to generation. generation. generation. Lamentations 5 15-19. The book of Lamentations picks up right The book of Lamentations picks up right where Jeremiah left off. where Jeremiah left off. where Jeremiah left off. Jeremiah has fallen or Jerusalem has Jeremiah has fallen or Jerusalem has Jeremiah has fallen or Jerusalem has fallen and the prophet Jeremiah is left fallen and the prophet Jeremiah is left fallen and the prophet Jeremiah is left weeping at what has occurred. weeping at what has occurred. weeping at what has occurred. Lamentations, though not necessarily Lamentations, though not necessarily Lamentations, though not necessarily easy to read, is a beautiful book easy to read, is a beautiful book easy to read, is a beautiful book showing the heart of a man so burdened showing the heart of a man so burdened showing the heart of a man so burdened with grief for the choices that the with grief for the choices that the with grief for the choices that the people of Jerusalem had made that it's people of Jerusalem had made that it's people of Jerusalem had made that it's also a picture of God's heart, grieving also a picture of God's heart, grieving also a picture of God's heart, grieving for his chosen people to return to him.

for his chosen people to return to him. for his chosen people to return to him. But like the book of Jeremiah, But like the book of Jeremiah, But like the book of Jeremiah, Lamentations is not without hope. We are Lamentations is not without hope. We are Lamentations is not without hope. We are treated to a beautiful reminder of the treated to a beautiful reminder of the treated to a beautiful reminder of the faithfulness of God and that hope faithfulness of God and that hope faithfulness of God and that hope continues to rest in him and him alone. continues to rest in him and him alone. continues to rest in him and him alone. To help us navigate the book of To help us navigate the book of To help us navigate the book of Lamentations is Dr. Danny Hayes, author Lamentations is Dr. Danny Hayes, author Lamentations is Dr. Danny Hayes, author of the teach the text commentary on of the teach the text commentary on of the teach the text commentary on Jeremiah and Lamentations. Jeremiah and Lamentations. Jeremiah and Lamentations. My name is Jason Wland and this is My name is Jason Wland and this is My name is Jason Wland and this is doable disciplehip navigating the Bible doable disciplehip navigating the Bible doable disciplehip navigating the Bible lamentations. lamentations. lamentations. All All All [Music] [Music] [Music] right, Danny Hayes, thank you so much right, Danny Hayes, thank you so much right, Danny Hayes, thank you so much for for joining us today as we navigate for for joining us today as we navigate for for joining us today as we navigate the book of Lamentations. Thanks for the book of Lamentations. Thanks for the book of Lamentations. Thanks for being here. Appreciate it. being here. Appreciate it. being here. Appreciate it. >> Well, it's great to be here with you, >> Well, it's great to be here with you, >> Well, it's great to be here with you, Jason. Thanks for inviting me, Jason. Thanks for inviting me, Jason. Thanks for inviting me, >> of course. Okay, so so Lamentations, >> of course. Okay, so so Lamentations, >> of course. Okay, so so Lamentations, we've been walking through the prophets. we've been walking through the prophets. we've been walking through the prophets. We've gone through Isaiah. We've gone We've gone through Isaiah. We've gone We've gone through Isaiah. We've gone through Jeremiah. And now we get this through Jeremiah. And now we get this through Jeremiah. And now we get this interesting, you know, fivechapter book interesting, you know, fivechapter book interesting, you know, fivechapter book that's kind of smack in between Jeremiah that's kind of smack in between Jeremiah that's kind of smack in between Jeremiah and Ezekiel. So, I'm excited to talk and Ezekiel. So, I'm excited to talk and Ezekiel. So, I'm excited to talk with you about this today because it with you about this today because it with you about this today because it does hold this little interesting place does hold this little interesting place does hold this little interesting place uh in this major prophets section. So, uh in this major prophets section. So, uh in this major prophets section. So, let's start with the basics.

let's start with the basics. let's start with the basics. Do we know who wrote the book of Do we know who wrote the book of Do we know who wrote the book of Lamentations? And do we know about like Lamentations? And do we know about like Lamentations? And do we know about like when it was written? And then I always when it was written? And then I always when it was written? And then I always like to frame it this way. How does like to frame it this way. How does like to frame it this way. How does knowing these things or not knowing knowing these things or not knowing knowing these things or not knowing these things affect how we read the these things affect how we read the these things affect how we read the book? book? book? >> Yeah, Jason, that's an interesting >> Yeah, Jason, that's an interesting >> Yeah, Jason, that's an interesting question. And uh what happens is the in question. And uh what happens is the in question. And uh what happens is the in the Hebrew text, okay, of Lamentations, the Hebrew text, okay, of Lamentations, the Hebrew text, okay, of Lamentations, number one, it doesn't say who wrote it. number one, it doesn't say who wrote it. number one, it doesn't say who wrote it. And number two, in the in the Hebrew And number two, in the in the Hebrew And number two, in the in the Hebrew cannon, it's located away from Jeremiah. cannon, it's located away from Jeremiah. cannon, it's located away from Jeremiah. It's in with these uh uh four other It's in with these uh uh four other It's in with these uh uh four other small books. It's in the writings but small books. It's in the writings but small books. It's in the writings but it's collected there with Song of Songs, it's collected there with Song of Songs, it's collected there with Song of Songs, Ruth, Ecclesiastes and Esther. Ruth, Ecclesiastes and Esther. Ruth, Ecclesiastes and Esther. >> In the Greek Septigent uh uh uh >> In the Greek Septigent uh uh uh >> In the Greek Septigent uh uh uh translation of the Bible, what the early translation of the Bible, what the early translation of the Bible, what the early church was using uh then uh lamentations church was using uh then uh lamentations church was using uh then uh lamentations has an opening verse that's not in the has an opening verse that's not in the has an opening verse that's not in the Hebrew text. And so this verse typically Hebrew text. And so this verse typically Hebrew text. And so this verse typically doesn't show up in our English Bibles, doesn't show up in our English Bibles, doesn't show up in our English Bibles, although I think they ought to put it in although I think they ought to put it in although I think they ought to put it in the footnotes at least. Uh and what this the footnotes at least. Uh and what this the footnotes at least. Uh and what this verse, this is verse one in Lamentations verse, this is verse one in Lamentations verse, this is verse one in Lamentations in our in our Greek in the Greek Bible.

in our in our Greek in the Greek Bible. in our in our Greek in the Greek Bible. Uh and it reads this, I'll read it to Uh and it reads this, I'll read it to Uh and it reads this, I'll read it to you. Uh it says, "And it happened after you. Uh it says, "And it happened after you. Uh it says, "And it happened after Israel was taken captive and Jerusalem Israel was taken captive and Jerusalem Israel was taken captive and Jerusalem was laid waste. Jeremiah set weeping and was laid waste. Jeremiah set weeping and was laid waste. Jeremiah set weeping and gave this lament over Jerusalem and gave this lament over Jerusalem and gave this lament over Jerusalem and said, said, said, >> yeah, >> yeah, >> yeah, >> then the whole rest of the book is >> then the whole rest of the book is >> then the whole rest of the book is presented as a quotation uh from presented as a quotation uh from presented as a quotation uh from Jeremiah." So while we don't have that Jeremiah." So while we don't have that Jeremiah." So while we don't have that verse, our English translations have verse, our English translations have verse, our English translations have opted to locate the book of Lamentations opted to locate the book of Lamentations opted to locate the book of Lamentations right on the tail end of uh of Jeremiah. right on the tail end of uh of Jeremiah. right on the tail end of uh of Jeremiah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And thus kind of imply uh that Jeremiah >> And thus kind of imply uh that Jeremiah >> And thus kind of imply uh that Jeremiah wrote it. That's you know that's the wrote it. That's you know that's the wrote it. That's you know that's the implication of in our oldest complete implication of in our oldest complete implication of in our oldest complete Bible saticus. Okay. Dates to the 4th Bible saticus. Okay. Dates to the 4th Bible saticus. Okay. Dates to the 4th century. And this may be more technical century. And this may be more technical century. And this may be more technical than you want. than you want. than you want. >> No, please do. >> No, please do. >> No, please do. >> But but anyway, but so in Sanatus uh and >> But but anyway, but so in Sanatus uh and >> But but anyway, but so in Sanatus uh and I have a faximile copy. It's fun to pull I have a faximile copy. It's fun to pull I have a faximile copy. It's fun to pull out down the hall. But out down the hall. But out down the hall. But >> but Jeremiah ends and they don't even >> but Jeremiah ends and they don't even >> but Jeremiah ends and they don't even start a new page for Lamentations. start a new page for Lamentations. start a new page for Lamentations. >> Just goes right in. >> Just goes right in. >> Just goes right in. >> It just it just picks right back up with >> It just it just picks right back up with >> It just it just picks right back up with that verse and has the title and then that verse and has the title and then that verse and has the title and then goes right on. So there they were goes right on. So there they were goes right on. So there they were closely associated. Certainly the early closely associated. Certainly the early closely associated. Certainly the early church believed wholeheartedly that church believed wholeheartedly that church believed wholeheartedly that Jeremiah and then the language certainly Jeremiah and then the language certainly Jeremiah and then the language certainly fits uh having worked through Jeremiah fits uh having worked through Jeremiah fits uh having worked through Jeremiah and seen what he went through and his and seen what he went through and his and seen what he went through and his calls is warnings of judgment that's calls is warnings of judgment that's calls is warnings of judgment that's coming all of that uh uh is is is really coming all of that uh uh is is is really coming all of that uh uh is is is really crucial I would say for understanding crucial I would say for understanding crucial I would say for understanding limitations. If you just jump in limitations. If you just jump in limitations. If you just jump in Lamentations and you read all of this Lamentations and you read all of this Lamentations and you read all of this dreadful stuff is happening, you can be

dreadful stuff is happening, you can be dreadful stuff is happening, you can be very uh it's it's it's confusing and very uh it's it's it's confusing and very uh it's it's it's confusing and disconcerting. But if you turn the page, disconcerting. But if you turn the page, disconcerting. But if you turn the page, if you read all the way through Jeremiah if you read all the way through Jeremiah if you read all the way through Jeremiah and you turn the page, well, you know, and you turn the page, well, you know, and you turn the page, well, you know, Jerusalem's been destroyed. Jeremiah's Jerusalem's been destroyed. Jeremiah's Jerusalem's been destroyed. Jeremiah's warned them for 40 years. He's pleaded warned them for 40 years. He's pleaded warned them for 40 years. He's pleaded with them, won't you repent? Won't you with them, won't you repent? Won't you with them, won't you repent? Won't you repent? Listed out all of their terrible repent? Listed out all of their terrible repent? Listed out all of their terrible sins and warned them over and over and sins and warned them over and over and sins and warned them over and over and over. They don't repent. over. They don't repent. over. They don't repent. And so the consequences come, the And so the consequences come, the And so the consequences come, the Babylonians come, they destroy Babylonians come, they destroy Babylonians come, they destroy Jerusalem. It's 587, 586 when Jerusalem Jerusalem. It's 587, 586 when Jerusalem Jerusalem. It's 587, 586 when Jerusalem gets destroyed. So Jeremiah gets destroyed. So Jeremiah gets destroyed. So Jeremiah >> probably writes this shortly after that. >> probably writes this shortly after that. >> probably writes this shortly after that. Uh he's he stays in Jerusalem. If you Uh he's he stays in Jerusalem. If you Uh he's he stays in Jerusalem. If you get if you read the end, you know, of of get if you read the end, you know, of of get if you read the end, you know, of of Jeremiah, he stays in Jerusalem for a Jeremiah, he stays in Jerusalem for a Jeremiah, he stays in Jerusalem for a short time. He very experiences the short time. He very experiences the short time. He very experiences the devastation and the consequences devastation and the consequences devastation and the consequences firsthand. Then later he gets taken down firsthand. Then later he gets taken down firsthand. Then later he gets taken down to Egypt where he dies in Egypt. So to Egypt where he dies in Egypt. So to Egypt where he dies in Egypt. So sometime shortly after the fall while sometime shortly after the fall while sometime shortly after the fall while Jerusalem's in ruins and people are Jerusalem's in ruins and people are Jerusalem's in ruins and people are struggling with the aftermath, it's struggling with the aftermath, it's struggling with the aftermath, it's limitations is really kind of a limitations is really kind of a limitations is really kind of a vindication of what Jeremiah had been vindication of what Jeremiah had been vindication of what Jeremiah had been warning about that this was going to warning about that this was going to warning about that this was going to happen. Then sure enough it comes.

happen. Then sure enough it comes. happen. Then sure enough it comes. >> Yes. So, so, so even though the book >> Yes. So, so, so even though the book >> Yes. So, so, so even though the book itself, if you pull out your Bible off itself, if you pull out your Bible off itself, if you pull out your Bible off the shelf, it doesn't say this is a the shelf, it doesn't say this is a the shelf, it doesn't say this is a lament of Jeremiah, as we talked about lament of Jeremiah, as we talked about lament of Jeremiah, as we talked about that verse that's not uh that verse that's not uh that verse that's not uh >> y >> y >> y >> typically added in there. Uh, but pretty >> typically added in there. Uh, but pretty >> typically added in there. Uh, but pretty much any commentary, any any book about much any commentary, any any book about much any commentary, any any book about the Bible that you pull out will say the Bible that you pull out will say the Bible that you pull out will say this is largely attributed this is largely attributed this is largely attributed >> to Jeremiah. So, >> to Jeremiah. So, >> to Jeremiah. So, >> yes. Yeah. Absolutely. And just the >> yes. Yeah. Absolutely. And just the >> yes. Yeah. Absolutely. And just the placement in the cannon. placement in the cannon. placement in the cannon. >> Yeah. Fact that it's that it sits right >> Yeah. Fact that it's that it sits right >> Yeah. Fact that it's that it sits right there next to Jeremiah, you know, and there next to Jeremiah, you know, and there next to Jeremiah, you know, and before But it flows right naturally into before But it flows right naturally into before But it flows right naturally into it. So it's it's Yeah. So that's it. So it's it's Yeah. So that's it. So it's it's Yeah. So that's perfect. And again, I I do want to perfect. And again, I I do want to perfect. And again, I I do want to highlight, as you mentioned, highlight, as you mentioned, highlight, as you mentioned, >> Lamentations, not necessarily the best >> Lamentations, not necessarily the best >> Lamentations, not necessarily the best book to just pick up as a sole read. book to just pick up as a sole read. book to just pick up as a sole read. Like I'm just going to choose a book at Like I'm just going to choose a book at Like I'm just going to choose a book at random today. I'm going to pick up random today. I'm going to pick up random today. I'm going to pick up Lamentations. It uh it makes more sense Lamentations. It uh it makes more sense Lamentations. It uh it makes more sense in the context if you're reading it on in the context if you're reading it on in the context if you're reading it on the back end of reading Jeremiah. the back end of reading Jeremiah. the back end of reading Jeremiah. >> Absolutely. Absolutely. >> Absolutely. Absolutely. >> Absolutely. Absolutely. >> Yeah. Um, okay. So, this is always the >> Yeah. Um, okay. So, this is always the >> Yeah. Um, okay. So, this is always the tricky part, but I have a feeling that tricky part, but I have a feeling that tricky part, but I have a feeling that you got this down. How would you you got this down. How would you you got this down. How would you describe the book of Lamentations in one describe the book of Lamentations in one describe the book of Lamentations in one sentence?

sentence? sentence? >> All right, it's a long sentence. Okay, >> All right, it's a long sentence. Okay, >> All right, it's a long sentence. Okay, >> I'm used to that. I usually get long >> I'm used to that. I usually get long >> I'm used to that. I usually get long sentences as the answers, sentences as the answers, sentences as the answers, >> but here here here it goes. Okay. So I >> but here here here it goes. Okay. So I >> but here here here it goes. Okay. So I would say lamentations is a tragic would say lamentations is a tragic would say lamentations is a tragic mournful cry mournful cry mournful cry >> expressing grief and sorrow over the >> expressing grief and sorrow over the >> expressing grief and sorrow over the fall of Jerusalem and the associated fall of Jerusalem and the associated fall of Jerusalem and the associated rupture of the covenant fellowship with rupture of the covenant fellowship with rupture of the covenant fellowship with God God God >> due to Judah's continued sin and their >> due to Judah's continued sin and their >> due to Judah's continued sin and their refusal to listen to Jeremiah and to refusal to listen to Jeremiah and to refusal to listen to Jeremiah and to repent. repent. repent. >> So it's just a sad it's like the blues. >> So it's just a sad it's like the blues. >> So it's just a sad it's like the blues. It's just a mournful wo It's just a mournful wo It's just a mournful wo >> look at what's happened. This this is >> look at what's happened. This this is >> look at what's happened. This this is terrible Jerusalem. People are terrible Jerusalem. People are terrible Jerusalem. People are suffering. You know, this is the reality suffering. You know, this is the reality suffering. You know, this is the reality of the suffering and lamentations is of the suffering and lamentations is of the suffering and lamentations is expressing that terrible, awful the but expressing that terrible, awful the but expressing that terrible, awful the but reality of the consequences of sin. reality of the consequences of sin. reality of the consequences of sin. >> Uh and so that's why, you know, we're >> Uh and so that's why, you know, we're >> Uh and so that's why, you know, we're not nuts about reading it. That's we we not nuts about reading it. That's we we not nuts about reading it. That's we we would rather skip over that. Uh you would rather skip over that. Uh you would rather skip over that. Uh you know, the and it depicts all of the know, the and it depicts all of the know, the and it depicts all of the gruesome stuff, you know. I mean, now gruesome stuff, you know. I mean, now gruesome stuff, you know. I mean, now we're seeing all these images from Gaza we're seeing all these images from Gaza we're seeing all these images from Gaza where they're starving kids, but we just where they're starving kids, but we just where they're starving kids, but we just we don't want to see that side of war.

we don't want to see that side of war. we don't want to see that side of war. You know, we would rather avoid that. You know, we would rather avoid that. You know, we would rather avoid that. And uh and lamentations is a reminder. And uh and lamentations is a reminder. And uh and lamentations is a reminder. >> No, when there's, you know, when >> No, when there's, you know, when >> No, when there's, you know, when Jerusalem fell, there were terrible Jerusalem fell, there were terrible Jerusalem fell, there were terrible consequences of it. consequences of it. consequences of it. >> Yeah. We were joking a little bit before >> Yeah. We were joking a little bit before >> Yeah. We were joking a little bit before we started recording that we like to we started recording that we like to we started recording that we like to have fun on these podcasts with these have fun on these podcasts with these have fun on these podcasts with these conversations, but Lamentations isn't conversations, but Lamentations isn't conversations, but Lamentations isn't necessarily the most fun book to talk necessarily the most fun book to talk necessarily the most fun book to talk about. about. about. >> Yeah. No, unless you stay in chapter >> Yeah. No, unless you stay in chapter >> Yeah. No, unless you stay in chapter three. Okay. They give us like a handful three. Okay. They give us like a handful three. Okay. They give us like a handful of good, you know, upbeat verses. We'll of good, you know, upbeat verses. We'll of good, you know, upbeat verses. We'll get to those in a little while. Okay. get to those in a little while. Okay. get to those in a little while. Okay. >> Fair point. That's true. Okay. So, >> Fair point. That's true. Okay. So, >> Fair point. That's true. Okay. So, normally we talk through a narrative normally we talk through a narrative normally we talk through a narrative flow of the book, which worked well when flow of the book, which worked well when flow of the book, which worked well when we were doing, you know, the the earlier we were doing, you know, the the earlier we were doing, you know, the the earlier books in the Old Testament. As we got books in the Old Testament. As we got books in the Old Testament. As we got through the wisdom literature and we get through the wisdom literature and we get through the wisdom literature and we get to the prophets, narrative flow is a to the prophets, narrative flow is a to the prophets, narrative flow is a little bit of a harder thing to talk little bit of a harder thing to talk little bit of a harder thing to talk through. So, how would you describe the through. So, how would you describe the through. So, how would you describe the trajectory of this book? Yeah, it's not trajectory of this book? Yeah, it's not trajectory of this book? Yeah, it's not it's not really a narrative flow, but it's not really a narrative flow, but it's not really a narrative flow, but unlike Jeremiah, there are clear breaks. unlike Jeremiah, there are clear breaks. unlike Jeremiah, there are clear breaks. Uh, and each chapter is a clearly Uh, and each chapter is a clearly Uh, and each chapter is a clearly literary identified unit.

literary identified unit. literary identified unit. >> Uh, and so the first thing before I get >> Uh, and so the first thing before I get >> Uh, and so the first thing before I get quite to answering your question, yeah, quite to answering your question, yeah, quite to answering your question, yeah, do the the first thing to to realize is do the the first thing to to realize is do the the first thing to to realize is that each chapter is an acrostic. Uh, that each chapter is an acrostic. Uh, that each chapter is an acrostic. Uh, with the exception of chapter 5. And with the exception of chapter 5. And with the exception of chapter 5. And what I mean by an acrostic is that if what I mean by an acrostic is that if what I mean by an acrostic is that if you're in chapter one for instance, the you're in chapter one for instance, the you're in chapter one for instance, the first verse, the first word starts with first verse, the first word starts with first verse, the first word starts with the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, olive. olive. olive. >> Verse two starts with the next letter in >> Verse two starts with the next letter in >> Verse two starts with the next letter in the Hebrew alphabet, bait. And then the Hebrew alphabet, bait. And then the Hebrew alphabet, bait. And then verse three starts with the next letter verse three starts with the next letter verse three starts with the next letter in the Hebrew alphabet, Gimmel. So it's in the Hebrew alphabet, Gimmel. So it's in the Hebrew alphabet, Gimmel. So it's like if you were reading and you first like if you were reading and you first like if you were reading and you first had a verse that started with A, and had a verse that started with A, and had a verse that started with A, and then you have a verse that started with then you have a verse that started with then you have a verse that started with B, and then you have a verse that B, and then you have a verse that B, and then you have a verse that started with C. And so there's 22 started with C. And so there's 22 started with C. And so there's 22 letters in the Hebrew alphabet. They letters in the Hebrew alphabet. They letters in the Hebrew alphabet. They have combined two of the S sounds. Uh have combined two of the S sounds. Uh have combined two of the S sounds. Uh and so chapter 1 has 22 verses. Uh and and so chapter 1 has 22 verses. Uh and and so chapter 1 has 22 verses. Uh and chapter 2 is the same way. Uh except chapter 2 is the same way. Uh except chapter 2 is the same way. Uh except that they expand it. Uh each verse has that they expand it. Uh each verse has that they expand it. Uh each verse has three lines that start with olive. Uh three lines that start with olive. Uh three lines that start with olive. Uh and three lines that start with bait. Uh and three lines that start with bait. Uh and three lines that start with bait. Uh and so now I take that back. That's and so now I take that back. That's and so now I take that back. That's chapter 3 that does that. So chapter chapter 3 that does that. So chapter chapter 3 that does that. So chapter chapter 2 is likewise 22 verses with chapter 2 is likewise 22 verses with chapter 2 is likewise 22 verses with each verse starts with the next letter each verse starts with the next letter each verse starts with the next letter of the alphabet. In chapter 3 they have of the alphabet. In chapter 3 they have of the alphabet. In chapter 3 they have three verses that start with olive and three verses that start with olive and three verses that start with olive and then three verses that start with B.

then three verses that start with B. then three verses that start with B. Okay? So they're still going through the Okay? So they're still going through the Okay? So they're still going through the alphabet but they're doing it three alphabet but they're doing it three alphabet but they're doing it three verses at a time. verses at a time. verses at a time. >> Interesting. >> Interesting. >> Interesting. >> So if you're quick with math chapter >> So if you're quick with math chapter >> So if you're quick with math chapter three then we're going to expect 22 three then we're going to expect 22 three then we're going to expect 22 letters in the alphabet. Three lines letters in the alphabet. Three lines letters in the alphabet. Three lines verses for each. So now we have 66 verses for each. So now we have 66 verses for each. So now we have 66 verses uh in chapter 3. Chapter 4 then verses uh in chapter 3. Chapter 4 then verses uh in chapter 3. Chapter 4 then is back to the original pattern of 1 and is back to the original pattern of 1 and is back to the original pattern of 1 and two. It's an acrostic uh again going two. It's an acrostic uh again going two. It's an acrostic uh again going through the alphabet. Uh 1 2 3 4 each through the alphabet. Uh 1 2 3 4 each through the alphabet. Uh 1 2 3 4 each letter of the alphabet. Uh and uh and letter of the alphabet. Uh and uh and letter of the alphabet. Uh and uh and then chapter 5 doesn't have any. It has then chapter 5 doesn't have any. It has then chapter 5 doesn't have any. It has 22 verses but it doesn't follow the 22 verses but it doesn't follow the 22 verses but it doesn't follow the acrostic. Some people think maybe acrostic. Some people think maybe acrostic. Some people think maybe they're trying to convey chaos or they're trying to convey chaos or they're trying to convey chaos or confusion or something. And confusion or something. And confusion or something. And >> people ask why what's the point of the >> people ask why what's the point of the >> people ask why what's the point of the >> of the acrostic? Some say, "Oh, it's so >> of the acrostic? Some say, "Oh, it's so >> of the acrostic? Some say, "Oh, it's so you can memorize it." you can memorize it." you can memorize it." >> Some when we don't know is what's true, >> Some when we don't know is what's true, >> Some when we don't know is what's true, but then but some would say no. They're but then but some would say no. They're but then but some would say no. They're trying to say this is the picture of the trying to say this is the picture of the trying to say this is the picture of the consequences of sin from A to Z. consequences of sin from A to Z. consequences of sin from A to Z. >> Yeah.

>> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> You know, kind of a completeness going >> You know, kind of a completeness going >> You know, kind of a completeness going through the alphabet. But in the Hebrew through the alphabet. But in the Hebrew through the alphabet. But in the Hebrew text, that's very noticeable as it would text, that's very noticeable as it would text, that's very noticeable as it would be in English if it was doing A B C D. be in English if it was doing A B C D. be in English if it was doing A B C D. you know, you look there, you say, "Oh, you know, you look there, you say, "Oh, you know, you look there, you say, "Oh, well, that's the alphabet." well, that's the alphabet." well, that's the alphabet." >> Um, so that's kind of the structural >> Um, so that's kind of the structural >> Um, so that's kind of the structural layout and it does give you very clear layout and it does give you very clear layout and it does give you very clear >> chapter breaks. You because it starts >> chapter breaks. You because it starts >> chapter breaks. You because it starts over, you know, with the next with the over, you know, with the next with the over, you know, with the next with the next letters in. So, what happens just next letters in. So, what happens just next letters in. So, what happens just kind of to summarize, chapter one just kind of to summarize, chapter one just kind of to summarize, chapter one just describes the mournful weeping over the describes the mournful weeping over the describes the mournful weeping over the destroyed Jerusalem, treats Jerusalem destroyed Jerusalem, treats Jerusalem destroyed Jerusalem, treats Jerusalem like a widow, uh, and cries over like a widow, uh, and cries over like a widow, uh, and cries over Jerusalem. Chapter 2 specifically Jerusalem. Chapter 2 specifically Jerusalem. Chapter 2 specifically focuses on the the wrath of God and focuses on the the wrath of God and focuses on the the wrath of God and that's that's a major theme that part of that's that's a major theme that part of that's that's a major theme that part of the consequences uh and again recounts the consequences uh and again recounts the consequences uh and again recounts that terrible destruction but the caused that terrible destruction but the caused that terrible destruction but the caused the rebellious Jerusalem because of the rebellious Jerusalem because of the rebellious Jerusalem because of their rebellion. their rebellion. their rebellion. >> Three opens with a long lament you know >> Three opens with a long lament you know >> Three opens with a long lament you know uh talking about the terrible things yet uh talking about the terrible things yet uh talking about the terrible things yet then finally 3:21 and to 26 he stops for then finally 3:21 and to 26 he stops for then finally 3:21 and to 26 he stops for a minute and and gives an expression of a minute and and gives an expression of a minute and and gives an expression of hope and faith. you know this is great hope and faith. you know this is great hope and faith. you know this is great is thy faithfulness you know we sang is thy faithfulness you know we sang is thy faithfulness you know we sang that on Sunday that on Sunday that on Sunday >> uh and so uh and so there is this >> uh and so uh and so there is this >> uh and so uh and so there is this interruption about hope and then it's interruption about hope and then it's interruption about hope and then it's followed the rest of it is kind of a followed the rest of it is kind of a followed the rest of it is kind of a first person uh uh lament here's what's first person uh uh lament here's what's first person uh uh lament here's what's here's what's happened uh and it fits here's what's happened uh and it fits here's what's happened uh and it fits pretty much with what we see in pretty much with what we see in pretty much with what we see in Jeremiah's experience as he switches Jeremiah's experience as he switches Jeremiah's experience as he switches into first person chapter 4 goes back to into first person chapter 4 goes back to into first person chapter 4 goes back to the terrible situation in Jerusalem but

the terrible situation in Jerusalem but the terrible situation in Jerusalem but it it it >> it focus focuses in particular on the on >> it focus focuses in particular on the on >> it focus focuses in particular on the on the children the children the children >> you know those who suffer tremendously >> you know those who suffer tremendously >> you know those who suffer tremendously in a you know after a city has been in a you know after a city has been in a you know after a city has been captured and destroyed. So it's it's one captured and destroyed. So it's it's one captured and destroyed. So it's it's one of the tougher chapters to read. Okay. of the tougher chapters to read. Okay. of the tougher chapters to read. Okay. >> Uh because of that focus on kids. And >> Uh because of that focus on kids. And >> Uh because of that focus on kids. And then chapter five goes back to the then chapter five goes back to the then chapter five goes back to the description of the terrible situation description of the terrible situation description of the terrible situation for the survivors uh and how grim it is. for the survivors uh and how grim it is. for the survivors uh and how grim it is. And then right at the end they give a And then right at the end they give a And then right at the end they give a little brief you know hope look forward little brief you know hope look forward little brief you know hope look forward to maybe maybe there'll be some you know to maybe maybe there'll be some you know to maybe maybe there'll be some you know forgiveness and restoration uh in it. So forgiveness and restoration uh in it. So forgiveness and restoration uh in it. So there's there is a optimistic section there's there is a optimistic section there's there is a optimistic section there in chapter 3 uh one little brief there in chapter 3 uh one little brief there in chapter 3 uh one little brief paragraph which is which is really nice. paragraph which is which is really nice. paragraph which is which is really nice. That's what most people know from That's what most people know from That's what most people know from lamentations. Those are the verses we lamentations. Those are the verses we lamentations. Those are the verses we memorize, you know. memorize, you know. memorize, you know. >> Uh but uh but the rest of it is pretty >> Uh but uh but the rest of it is pretty >> Uh but uh but the rest of it is pretty grim just explaining, you know, those grim just explaining, you know, those grim just explaining, you know, those consequences of continued disobedience consequences of continued disobedience consequences of continued disobedience and finally God's judgment comes and how and finally God's judgment comes and how and finally God's judgment comes and how terrible that is when it does come.

terrible that is when it does come. terrible that is when it does come. >> Yeah. It's it's also as we mentioned a >> Yeah. It's it's also as we mentioned a >> Yeah. It's it's also as we mentioned a few minutes ago, we don't want to take few minutes ago, we don't want to take few minutes ago, we don't want to take it or I should say um it's uh it helps it or I should say um it's uh it helps it or I should say um it's uh it helps the reading of Lamentations and the reading of Lamentations and the reading of Lamentations and everything that you just laid out with everything that you just laid out with everything that you just laid out with the trajectory of the book to als you the trajectory of the book to als you the trajectory of the book to als you know to keep it in context with Jeremiah know to keep it in context with Jeremiah know to keep it in context with Jeremiah because you're watching him him call out because you're watching him him call out because you're watching him him call out to Jerusalem. He's he's give the to Jerusalem. He's he's give the to Jerusalem. He's he's give the warnings, talk about it and then the warnings, talk about it and then the warnings, talk about it and then the destruction happens and then you see the destruction happens and then you see the destruction happens and then you see the remnant of that and you see his response remnant of that and you see his response remnant of that and you see his response to that. So, so, so this the trajectory to that. So, so, so this the trajectory to that. So, so, so this the trajectory of this book is in direct like of this book is in direct like of this book is in direct like >> it's like the direct sequel to Jeremiah. >> it's like the direct sequel to Jeremiah. >> it's like the direct sequel to Jeremiah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Exactly. And you know, read if you're >> Exactly. And you know, read if you're >> Exactly. And you know, read if you're reading Lamentations and you're getting reading Lamentations and you're getting reading Lamentations and you're getting depressed with the whole thing. depressed with the whole thing. depressed with the whole thing. >> Well, go back and read Jeremiah 30-33 >> Well, go back and read Jeremiah 30-33 >> Well, go back and read Jeremiah 30-33 >> where he is talking beyond he's looking >> where he is talking beyond he's looking >> where he is talking beyond he's looking beyond it. Yeah, beyond it. Yeah, beyond it. Yeah, >> there is this coming new covenant where >> there is this coming new covenant where >> there is this coming new covenant where things are going to be different and things are going to be different and things are going to be different and then all this imagery there is then all this imagery there is then all this imagery there is reversing. You know, there's not reversing. You know, there's not reversing. You know, there's not sickness anymore. Now there's health.

sickness anymore. Now there's health. sickness anymore. Now there's health. Now there's healing. Now there's there's Now there's healing. Now there's there's Now there's healing. Now there's there's not sorrow and sadness. Now there's joy not sorrow and sadness. Now there's joy not sorrow and sadness. Now there's joy and there's singing. And so all of these and there's singing. And so all of these and there's singing. And so all of these images that Jeremiah uses in 30-33 are images that Jeremiah uses in 30-33 are images that Jeremiah uses in 30-33 are reversals of the judgment imagery he's reversals of the judgment imagery he's reversals of the judgment imagery he's used throughout the book and those same used throughout the book and those same used throughout the book and those same images that are used in lamentations. images that are used in lamentations. images that are used in lamentations. And so yeah, And so yeah, And so yeah, >> and so for us, of course, with one foot >> and so for us, of course, with one foot >> and so for us, of course, with one foot in the New Testament all the time, in the New Testament all the time, in the New Testament all the time, >> we also know that that that new covenant >> we also know that that that new covenant >> we also know that that that new covenant was brought in by Jesus Christ and he was brought in by Jesus Christ and he was brought in by Jesus Christ and he brings in the reversal of this sadness, brings in the reversal of this sadness, brings in the reversal of this sadness, sorrow, all of these kinds of things sorrow, all of these kinds of things sorrow, all of these kinds of things that through Jesus there is this that through Jesus there is this that through Jesus there is this reversal, there is this restoration, reversal, there is this restoration, reversal, there is this restoration, there is and so this is not the final there is and so this is not the final there is and so this is not the final word. word. word. >> Uh even though it does tell us that the >> Uh even though it does tell us that the >> Uh even though it does tell us that the judgment of God is to be taken very judgment of God is to be taken very judgment of God is to be taken very seriously. M seriously. M seriously. M you mentioned a couple of the themes you mentioned a couple of the themes you mentioned a couple of the themes already but I'm I want to give you full already but I'm I want to give you full already but I'm I want to give you full range to be able to talk about the range to be able to talk about the range to be able to talk about the themes of this book. So so what are the themes of this book. So so what are the themes of this book. So so what are the major themes that we see in Lamentations major themes that we see in Lamentations major themes that we see in Lamentations and how does knowing them in advance and how does knowing them in advance and how does knowing them in advance help us to read the book better?

help us to read the book better? help us to read the book better? >> Yeah. Well his major image at the >> Yeah. Well his major image at the >> Yeah. Well his major image at the beginning is he pictures uh Jerusalem beginning is he pictures uh Jerusalem beginning is he pictures uh Jerusalem uh like a widow. And this is pretty uh like a widow. And this is pretty uh like a widow. And this is pretty common in the prophets the to refer to common in the prophets the to refer to common in the prophets the to refer to Jerusalem and Judah as a whole uh as a Jerusalem and Judah as a whole uh as a Jerusalem and Judah as a whole uh as a uh as the spouse as a spouse of God. uh as the spouse as a spouse of God. uh as the spouse as a spouse of God. You'll see that very common. They're not You'll see that very common. They're not You'll see that very common. They're not stressing the spouse of God here so much stressing the spouse of God here so much stressing the spouse of God here so much as they're just picturing her as a woman as they're just picturing her as a woman as they're just picturing her as a woman in the aftermath of war whose husband in the aftermath of war whose husband in the aftermath of war whose husband has been killed. Uh and so she is there has been killed. Uh and so she is there has been killed. Uh and so she is there grieving and mourning. Uh and then the grieving and mourning. Uh and then the grieving and mourning. Uh and then the repeated theme in chapter one uh if you repeated theme in chapter one uh if you repeated theme in chapter one uh if you look at one verse two she's weeping at look at one verse two she's weeping at look at one verse two she's weeping at night you know and then it says there's night you know and then it says there's night you know and then it says there's no one to comfort her. That's verse two. no one to comfort her. That's verse two. no one to comfort her. That's verse two. Then in verse 9 they talk about these Then in verse 9 they talk about these Then in verse 9 they talk about these terrible things that have happened to terrible things that have happened to terrible things that have happened to her personally. Then they say there's no her personally. Then they say there's no her personally. Then they say there's no one to comfort her. That's verse n. one to comfort her. That's verse n. one to comfort her. That's verse n. Okay. Then in verse 16, he's weeping.

Okay. Then in verse 16, he's weeping. Okay. Then in verse 16, he's weeping. And then uh this is the speaker probably And then uh this is the speaker probably And then uh this is the speaker probably Jeremiah speaking and he says, "Then Jeremiah speaking and he says, "Then Jeremiah speaking and he says, "Then there's no one to comfort me." there's no one to comfort me." there's no one to comfort me." >> Uh and so then 17, Zion stretches out >> Uh and so then 17, Zion stretches out >> Uh and so then 17, Zion stretches out her hands. There's no one to comfort her hands. There's no one to comfort her hands. There's no one to comfort her. 21 the same thing. People have her. 21 the same thing. People have her. 21 the same thing. People have heard my groaning. There's no one to heard my groaning. There's no one to heard my groaning. There's no one to comfort me. So there is this repeated comfort me. So there is this repeated comfort me. So there is this repeated not only is there desolation and not only is there desolation and not only is there desolation and terrible but there's but there's no one terrible but there's but there's no one terrible but there's but there's no one you know to comfort. you know to comfort. you know to comfort. >> Yeah. Uh and of course you know when >> Yeah. Uh and of course you know when >> Yeah. Uh and of course you know when when Isaiah looks to the future there when Isaiah looks to the future there when Isaiah looks to the future there and he starts out chapter 40 with and he starts out chapter 40 with and he starts out chapter 40 with comfort comfort you know my people that comfort comfort you know my people that comfort comfort you know my people that the time of suffering is over you know the time of suffering is over you know the time of suffering is over you know and we think Isaiah's writing that for and we think Isaiah's writing that for and we think Isaiah's writing that for the even though you know he he lives the even though you know he he lives the even though you know he he lives before this he writes for that exelic before this he writes for that exelic before this he writes for that exelic >> community who has come through this time >> community who has come through this time >> community who has come through this time of lamentations so I read his comfort of lamentations so I read his comfort of lamentations so I read his comfort comfort my people in Isaiah 40 uh as a comfort my people in Isaiah 40 uh as a comfort my people in Isaiah 40 uh as a reversal of this situation and reversal of this situation and reversal of this situation and lamentations, the fulfillment that's lamentations, the fulfillment that's lamentations, the fulfillment that's going to be brought about by the Messiah going to be brought about by the Messiah going to be brought about by the Messiah where there will be a time of of comfort where there will be a time of of comfort where there will be a time of of comfort and and it's a it's a the comforting is and and it's a it's a the comforting is and and it's a it's a the comforting is a big theme that's picked back up in the a big theme that's picked back up in the a big theme that's picked back up in the uh in the New Testament. But without uh in the New Testament. But without uh in the New Testament. But without that in the situation, so that's so that in the situation, so that's so that in the situation, so that's so that's a one of the grim pictures is the that's a one of the grim pictures is the that's a one of the grim pictures is the the widow.

the widow. the widow. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And uh she's here and uh uh and there's >> And uh she's here and uh uh and there's >> And uh she's here and uh uh and there's no comfort. Um another And then he calls no comfort. Um another And then he calls no comfort. Um another And then he calls her a widow. He also calls her the her a widow. He also calls her the her a widow. He also calls her the daughter Zion. daughter Zion. daughter Zion. >> This is also a major uh prophetic theme >> This is also a major uh prophetic theme >> This is also a major uh prophetic theme that the prophets use refer to Zion as that the prophets use refer to Zion as that the prophets use refer to Zion as his daughter frequently. I think it his daughter frequently. I think it his daughter frequently. I think it underscores I think we shouldn't read underscores I think we shouldn't read underscores I think we shouldn't read over that too quickly that God uses that over that too quickly that God uses that over that too quickly that God uses that terminology terminology terminology uh of Zion as one of his kids. Uh and so uh of Zion as one of his kids. Uh and so uh of Zion as one of his kids. Uh and so it's a painful punishment is painful for it's a painful punishment is painful for it's a painful punishment is painful for God as well. This is not I mean his God as well. This is not I mean his God as well. This is not I mean his justice drives it makes it a necessity. justice drives it makes it a necessity. justice drives it makes it a necessity. Uh but it's but it's a extremely Uh but it's but it's a extremely Uh but it's but it's a extremely sorrowful thing for him sorrowful thing for him sorrowful thing for him >> because of his relationship and because >> because of his relationship and because >> because of his relationship and because of his love. of his love. of his love. >> So we see that in chapter 2 especially >> So we see that in chapter 2 especially >> So we see that in chapter 2 especially the daughter Zion uh brought up as well. the daughter Zion uh brought up as well. the daughter Zion uh brought up as well. Uh and so Uh and so Uh and so and so they uh uh then in uh in in and so they uh uh then in uh in in and so they uh uh then in uh in in chapter three you see uh like a chapter three you see uh like a chapter three you see uh like a survivor. So it goes from someone who survivor. So it goes from someone who survivor. So it goes from someone who sees the widow and is mourning and then sees the widow and is mourning and then sees the widow and is mourning and then the widow s calls out some as well. And the widow s calls out some as well. And the widow s calls out some as well. And then in three you have an actual then in three you have an actual then in three you have an actual survivor that seems to be calling out survivor that seems to be calling out survivor that seems to be calling out what's happened. So, it's a first what's happened. So, it's a first what's happened. So, it's a first person. It's a first person sharing. Uh, person. It's a first person sharing. Uh, person. It's a first person sharing. Uh, and then about halfway through the

and then about halfway through the and then about halfway through the chapter 3, the second half after we get chapter 3, the second half after we get chapter 3, the second half after we get past the the bright spot, the, you know, past the the bright spot, the, you know, past the the bright spot, the, you know, the great is your faithfulness, the great is your faithfulness, the great is your faithfulness, >> then you you you have what sounds a lot >> then you you you have what sounds a lot >> then you you you have what sounds a lot like Jeremiah's laments back in Jeremiah like Jeremiah's laments back in Jeremiah like Jeremiah's laments back in Jeremiah where he is speaking in first person where he is speaking in first person where he is speaking in first person >> about what happened to him. >> about what happened to him. >> about what happened to him. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> That one of the causes, you know, of >> That one of the causes, you know, of >> That one of the causes, you know, of this terrible catastrophe is because this terrible catastrophe is because this terrible catastrophe is because they didn't listen to him. But he has they didn't listen to him. But he has they didn't listen to him. But he has also suffered because of this. He has also suffered because of this. He has also suffered because of this. He has had to see this. He's had to participate had to see this. He's had to participate had to see this. He's had to participate in it. And so in it. And so in it. And so uh and I that's one of the big lessons uh and I that's one of the big lessons uh and I that's one of the big lessons we get from from the life of Jeremiah we get from from the life of Jeremiah we get from from the life of Jeremiah and here as well that you know God and here as well that you know God and here as well that you know God didn't take him out of this. He didn't didn't take him out of this. He didn't didn't take him out of this. He didn't just say hey faithful servant we're just say hey faithful servant we're just say hey faithful servant we're going to whisk you away you know take going to whisk you away you know take going to whisk you away you know take you to some nice place. but he had to you to some nice place. but he had to you to some nice place. but he had to live through it and see how awful it was live through it and see how awful it was live through it and see how awful it was uh and see this firsthand. And so while uh and see this firsthand. And so while uh and see this firsthand. And so while he was also being persecuted and he was also being persecuted and he was also being persecuted and punished for telling them how to avoid punished for telling them how to avoid punished for telling them how to avoid this, you know, the the irony of the this, you know, the the irony of the this, you know, the the irony of the whole thing. So you have that first whole thing. So you have that first whole thing. So you have that first person uh cry. And then chapter four, person uh cry. And then chapter four, person uh cry. And then chapter four, you know, just the image again, it's a you know, just the image again, it's a you know, just the image again, it's a third person looking down and seeing third person looking down and seeing third person looking down and seeing kids, you know, struggling to stay kids, you know, struggling to stay kids, you know, struggling to stay alive, digging through the garbage. And alive, digging through the garbage. And alive, digging through the garbage. And they they these kids, wealthy kids, you they they these kids, wealthy kids, you they they these kids, wealthy kids, you know, who used to have live in high know, who used to have live in high know, who used to have live in high places and now they're scratching in the places and now they're scratching in the places and now they're scratching in the dirt and uh and and just trying to stay

dirt and uh and and just trying to stay dirt and uh and and just trying to stay alive. Uh and so so he sees that, you alive. Uh and so so he sees that, you alive. Uh and so so he sees that, you know, as a as a third person know, as a as a third person know, as a as a third person description, uh as well. So, so anyway, description, uh as well. So, so anyway, description, uh as well. So, so anyway, so it's uh it's it's uh he uses these so it's uh it's it's uh he uses these so it's uh it's it's uh he uses these different images, you know, it's highly different images, you know, it's highly different images, you know, it's highly poetic. poetic. poetic. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh and figurative. It's it's poetry, you >> Uh and figurative. It's it's poetry, you >> Uh and figurative. It's it's poetry, you know, all the way through traditional know, all the way through traditional know, all the way through traditional Hebrew poetry, the two lines, uh and but Hebrew poetry, the two lines, uh and but Hebrew poetry, the two lines, uh and but highly graphic in its descriptions. And highly graphic in its descriptions. And highly graphic in its descriptions. And and you know the point of poetry and and you know the point of poetry and and you know the point of poetry and these graphic descriptions is exactly these graphic descriptions is exactly these graphic descriptions is exactly that to elicit uh an emotional reaction. that to elicit uh an emotional reaction. that to elicit uh an emotional reaction. >> Uh so it's not just an intellectual. >> Uh so it's not just an intellectual. >> Uh so it's not just an intellectual. They can just tell us Jerusalem was They can just tell us Jerusalem was They can just tell us Jerusalem was destroyed and because of sin and it was destroyed and because of sin and it was destroyed and because of sin and it was awful. Okay, that makes a certain awful. Okay, that makes a certain awful. Okay, that makes a certain impact. But no, when you have to read impact. But no, when you have to read impact. But no, when you have to read this and they bring out those kids, you this and they bring out those kids, you this and they bring out those kids, you know, and how horrific this was and the know, and how horrific this was and the know, and how horrific this was and the implications for the women, which they implications for the women, which they implications for the women, which they don't dodge that either. don't dodge that either. don't dodge that either. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh and all of this terrible, terrible, >> Uh and all of this terrible, terrible, >> Uh and all of this terrible, terrible, horrific stuff. It's a nightmare.

horrific stuff. It's a nightmare. horrific stuff. It's a nightmare. Uh and the poetry of it makes it worse. Uh and the poetry of it makes it worse. Uh and the poetry of it makes it worse. Uh because it makes it it connects more. Uh because it makes it it connects more. Uh because it makes it it connects more. It's it's like songs. It's like music, It's it's like songs. It's like music, It's it's like songs. It's like music, you know? They they they they connect. you know? They they they they connect. you know? They they they they connect. And of course, that's the title of And of course, that's the title of And of course, that's the title of lamentations. These are laments, you lamentations. These are laments, you lamentations. These are laments, you know, they are songs. They're funeral know, they are songs. They're funeral know, they are songs. They're funeral dures. It's set up that way. Uh and so dures. It's set up that way. Uh and so dures. It's set up that way. Uh and so they cry out, you know, in pain really. they cry out, you know, in pain really. they cry out, you know, in pain really. Uh the the funeral durge. So yeah, I Uh the the funeral durge. So yeah, I Uh the the funeral durge. So yeah, I think you think you think you along with everything that you said, along with everything that you said, along with everything that you said, what's just rings so true about this what's just rings so true about this what's just rings so true about this book in particular is how deeply book in particular is how deeply book in particular is how deeply personal it is for Jeremiah, assuming personal it is for Jeremiah, assuming personal it is for Jeremiah, assuming that he's, you know, we're we're just that he's, you know, we're we're just that he's, you know, we're we're just operating under that assumption. So So operating under that assumption. So So operating under that assumption. So So I'm going to just that's a good thing. I'm going to just that's a good thing. I'm going to just that's a good thing. Um, it's so deeply personal and it's so Um, it's so deeply personal and it's so Um, it's so deeply personal and it's so deeply felt. It's not an apathetic look deeply felt. It's not an apathetic look deeply felt. It's not an apathetic look at the situation. It's not just a at the situation. It's not just a at the situation. It's not just a reporting of the facts of what happened, reporting of the facts of what happened, reporting of the facts of what happened, you know, and whatnot. Instead, there's you know, and whatnot. Instead, there's you know, and whatnot. Instead, there's so much passion in it. There's so much so much passion in it. There's so much so much passion in it. There's so much like grief and sorrow and sadness for like grief and sorrow and sadness for like grief and sorrow and sadness for what what what didn't have to happen but had to happen, didn't have to happen but had to happen, didn't have to happen but had to happen, right?

right? right? >> No, absolutely. Yeah. >> No, absolutely. Yeah. >> No, absolutely. Yeah. >> Because the because >> Because the because >> Because the because or the prophet did his job and called or the prophet did his job and called or the prophet did his job and called out and said, "Jerusalem, return, out and said, "Jerusalem, return, out and said, "Jerusalem, return, return, return, repent, repent, repent." return, return, repent, repent, repent." return, return, repent, repent, repent." But that repentance didn't happen in in But that repentance didn't happen in in But that repentance didn't happen in in the time. So God's justice reigned the time. So God's justice reigned the time. So God's justice reigned >> and >> and >> and we can still grieve in that. We can we can still grieve in that. We can we can still grieve in that. We can because because as you mentioned God was because because as you mentioned God was because because as you mentioned God was grieving. God was saddened by this too. grieving. God was saddened by this too. grieving. God was saddened by this too. What was saddened by by um by their What was saddened by by um by their What was saddened by by um by their inability to turn away from their sin inability to turn away from their sin inability to turn away from their sin and turn back to God. The you know and turn back to God. The you know and turn back to God. The you know the God who had led them for so long. the God who had led them for so long. the God who had led them for so long. Um, and we just see that outpouring come Um, and we just see that outpouring come Um, and we just see that outpouring come out in Jeremiah. And it's I think it's out in Jeremiah. And it's I think it's out in Jeremiah. And it's I think it's almost like we get this picture of God. almost like we get this picture of God. almost like we get this picture of God. We get this picture of kind of this, you We get this picture of kind of this, you We get this picture of kind of this, you know, this weeping, this nashing of know, this weeping, this nashing of know, this weeping, this nashing of teeth, this rending of clothes picture teeth, this rending of clothes picture teeth, this rending of clothes picture that you can almost picture Jeremiah that you can almost picture Jeremiah that you can almost picture Jeremiah just kind of just getting into that deep just kind of just getting into that deep just kind of just getting into that deep a primal sadness. and he's just a primal sadness. and he's just a primal sadness. and he's just exhibiting just even a a glimpse of the exhibiting just even a a glimpse of the exhibiting just even a a glimpse of the heart of God in this too. So I don't heart of God in this too. So I don't heart of God in this too. So I don't think um it's I think it's important to think um it's I think it's important to think um it's I think it's important to read read read almost do like an out loud reading of almost do like an out loud reading of almost do like an out loud reading of Lamentations. It's one of those books Lamentations. It's one of those books Lamentations. It's one of those books that can be read out loud and maybe even that can be read out loud and maybe even that can be read out loud and maybe even should be be received with that oral should be be received with that oral should be be received with that oral tradition because you can, you know,

tradition because you can, you know, tradition because you can, you know, hear that emotion in those words that hear that emotion in those words that hear that emotion in those words that Jeremiah wrote. And you can hear, you Jeremiah wrote. And you can hear, you Jeremiah wrote. And you can hear, you know, in just the words, in the poetry know, in just the words, in the poetry know, in just the words, in the poetry of it, as you mentioned, it's a book of it, as you mentioned, it's a book of it, as you mentioned, it's a book that that calls for an oral reading of that that calls for an oral reading of that that calls for an oral reading of it because it's just this crying out. it because it's just this crying out. it because it's just this crying out. Um, and so I I I I just wanted to take a Um, and so I I I I just wanted to take a Um, and so I I I I just wanted to take a moment to highlight the passion in it. moment to highlight the passion in it. moment to highlight the passion in it. >> Yeah. Yeah. And it's harder if you read >> Yeah. Yeah. And it's harder if you read >> Yeah. Yeah. And it's harder if you read it out loud. it out loud. it out loud. >> Oh, for sure. It's hard a harder impact >> Oh, for sure. It's hard a harder impact >> Oh, for sure. It's hard a harder impact >> and harder to hear it and harder to hear >> and harder to hear it and harder to hear >> and harder to hear it and harder to hear it cuz when we're reading, we go quickly it cuz when we're reading, we go quickly it cuz when we're reading, we go quickly over the hard parts. over the hard parts. over the hard parts. >> Yeah. True. >> Yeah. True. >> Yeah. True. >> You know, but if you're if you're saying >> You know, but if you're if you're saying >> You know, but if you're if you're saying it out loud or hearing it out loud, you it out loud or hearing it out loud, you it out loud or hearing it out loud, you know, it's like TV where you can we like know, it's like TV where you can we like know, it's like TV where you can we like to fast forward some some parts of the to fast forward some some parts of the to fast forward some some parts of the show. Yeah. I can't watch that. You show. Yeah. I can't watch that. You show. Yeah. I can't watch that. You know, they're torturing somebody, I I'll know, they're torturing somebody, I I'll know, they're torturing somebody, I I'll fast forward it. I can't watch that. Uh fast forward it. I can't watch that. Uh fast forward it. I can't watch that. Uh and so uh so we we would tend to do that and so uh so we we would tend to do that and so uh so we we would tend to do that but like you said if it's if it's read but like you said if it's if it's read but like you said if it's if it's read and it's heard and and again we're and it's heard and and again we're and it's heard and and again we're that's that's the point one of the that's that's the point one of the that's that's the point one of the points is to see that intersection as points is to see that intersection as points is to see that intersection as you mentioned Jeremiah and God you mentioned Jeremiah and God you mentioned Jeremiah and God intertwined really in the in the message intertwined really in the in the message intertwined really in the in the message where we get to look at both of their where we get to look at both of their where we get to look at both of their the sorrow and the horror of it and and the sorrow and the horror of it and and the sorrow and the horror of it and and and that irony as you mentioned earlier and that irony as you mentioned earlier and that irony as you mentioned earlier that it does not have to be like this.

that it does not have to be like this. that it does not have to be like this. Yeah. that Jeremiah told him for 40 Yeah. that Jeremiah told him for 40 Yeah. that Jeremiah told him for 40 years, you know, this is coming, but it years, you know, this is coming, but it years, you know, this is coming, but it does not have to happen. If only you does not have to happen. If only you does not have to happen. If only you would, you know, repent. Uh, repeated would, you know, repent. Uh, repeated would, you know, repent. Uh, repeated over and over and over. And so the irony over and over and over. And so the irony over and over and over. And so the irony of it and then to sit there and see it of it and then to sit there and see it of it and then to sit there and see it and think, and think, and think, >> you know, gosh, I told them. Yeah. You >> you know, gosh, I told them. Yeah. You >> you know, gosh, I told them. Yeah. You know, I told them know, I told them know, I told them >> uh and uh and still they didn't they >> uh and uh and still they didn't they >> uh and uh and still they didn't they didn't listen. So, uh, and you know, didn't listen. So, uh, and you know, didn't listen. So, uh, and you know, it's it's it's for us it's it's it's it's for us it's it's it's it's for us it's we and well, I'm jumping ahead a little we and well, I'm jumping ahead a little we and well, I'm jumping ahead a little bit, but for hard not to. For us, you bit, but for hard not to. For us, you bit, but for hard not to. For us, you know, it's it's know, it's it's know, it's it's we would rather play down the we would rather play down the we would rather play down the consequences of sin. consequences of sin. consequences of sin. >> Yeah. I mean, and I I mean, you know, in >> Yeah. I mean, and I I mean, you know, in >> Yeah. I mean, and I I mean, you know, in the old days, you had the fire and the old days, you had the fire and the old days, you had the fire and brimstone preachers, you know, uh that brimstone preachers, you know, uh that brimstone preachers, you know, uh that preached hell with all of this. And we preached hell with all of this. And we preached hell with all of this. And we we kind of look a scance at them now. we kind of look a scance at them now. we kind of look a scance at them now. And then they probably did overdo it a And then they probably did overdo it a And then they probably did overdo it a little bit. And and our approach is to little bit. And and our approach is to little bit. And and our approach is to evangelism is more positive. You know, evangelism is more positive. You know, evangelism is more positive. You know, uh God loves you, has a wonderful plan uh God loves you, has a wonderful plan uh God loves you, has a wonderful plan for his life. That's the way I was for his life. That's the way I was for his life. That's the way I was trained to do evangelism. And I agree trained to do evangelism. And I agree trained to do evangelism. And I agree with that. You know, with that. You know, with that. You know, >> that that's our message. Let's be on the >> that that's our message. Let's be on the >> that that's our message. Let's be on the positive side of what Jesus can do for positive side of what Jesus can do for positive side of what Jesus can do for you. How wonderful it is. But the you. How wonderful it is. But the you. How wonderful it is. But the judgment is a flip side of it of the judgment is a flip side of it of the judgment is a flip side of it of the coin that I think we we that the Bible coin that I think we we that the Bible coin that I think we we that the Bible certainly doesn't skip over that for certainly doesn't skip over that for certainly doesn't skip over that for those who do hear it and hear the good those who do hear it and hear the good those who do hear it and hear the good news and have it offered or especially

news and have it offered or especially news and have it offered or especially those that see it, grow up around it, those that see it, grow up around it, those that see it, grow up around it, hear it all the time and have tremendous hear it all the time and have tremendous hear it all the time and have tremendous opportunity to accept the savior and opportunity to accept the savior and opportunity to accept the savior and then reject it. Uh some somewhere we then reject it. Uh some somewhere we then reject it. Uh some somewhere we need to tell them. need to tell them. need to tell them. >> Yeah. Yeah, you know there's there's >> Yeah. Yeah, you know there's there's >> Yeah. Yeah, you know there's there's consequ the Bible says there's consequ the Bible says there's consequ the Bible says there's consequences and whether you're here in consequences and whether you're here in consequences and whether you're here in lamentations or whether you're in the lamentations or whether you're in the lamentations or whether you're in the book of revelation in the New Testament book of revelation in the New Testament book of revelation in the New Testament it doesn't change it doesn't change it doesn't change >> you know once you get to the New >> you know once you get to the New >> you know once you get to the New Testament even though grace is there and Testament even though grace is there and Testament even though grace is there and it's offered freely and love of Christ it's offered freely and love of Christ it's offered freely and love of Christ is offers his salvation freely there is is offers his salvation freely there is is offers his salvation freely there is a consequences for those that say no uh a consequences for those that say no uh a consequences for those that say no uh and uh and so we see that you know it's and uh and so we see that you know it's and uh and so we see that you know it's and it's the same struggles you have in and it's the same struggles you have in and it's the same struggles you have in Revelation where you know you get large Revelation where you know you get large Revelation where you know you get large chunks of humanity getting destroyed. chunks of humanity getting destroyed. chunks of humanity getting destroyed. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh in one verse and so >> Uh in one verse and so >> Uh in one verse and so >> uh but it is again part of that reality. >> uh but it is again part of that reality. >> uh but it is again part of that reality. It's the it's the other side of the It's the it's the other side of the It's the it's the other side of the gospel. And I don't think we need to gospel. And I don't think we need to gospel. And I don't think we need to stress it. I wouldn't preach stress it. I wouldn't preach stress it. I wouldn't preach lamentations every week. You know empty lamentations every week. You know empty lamentations every week. You know empty your church out. And and I think the the your church out. And and I think the the your church out. And and I think the the gospel too is largely positive. But we gospel too is largely positive. But we gospel too is largely positive. But we are being saved from something.

are being saved from something. are being saved from something. >> Yeah. Uh, and this is this is the >> Yeah. Uh, and this is this is the >> Yeah. Uh, and this is this is the downside. This is what it is. The the downside. This is what it is. The the downside. This is what it is. The the judgment that's there. judgment that's there. judgment that's there. >> Definitely agree. So, let's focus in on >> Definitely agree. So, let's focus in on >> Definitely agree. So, let's focus in on on God. What does this book teach us on God. What does this book teach us on God. What does this book teach us about God? about God? about God? >> Yeah. I I I think it's it it really >> Yeah. I I I think it's it it really >> Yeah. I I I think it's it it really underscores those the the combination of underscores those the the combination of underscores those the the combination of God who is a loving, caring God, and God who is a loving, caring God, and God who is a loving, caring God, and they're going to stress that in chapter they're going to stress that in chapter they're going to stress that in chapter three. three. three. >> Yeah. But on the same side, his his his >> Yeah. But on the same side, his his his >> Yeah. But on the same side, his his his holiness and his justice holiness and his justice holiness and his justice uh drives him to punish sin. And and the uh drives him to punish sin. And and the uh drives him to punish sin. And and the Old Testament word for that is wrath. Old Testament word for that is wrath. Old Testament word for that is wrath. >> There is there's a punishment and >> There is there's a punishment and >> There is there's a punishment and there's a certain anger that comes on there's a certain anger that comes on there's a certain anger that comes on sin. And these are flip two sides of the sin. And these are flip two sides of the sin. And these are flip two sides of the same coin. I mean, the love of God, it's same coin. I mean, the love of God, it's same coin. I mean, the love of God, it's not that he's only wrathful or that he's not that he's only wrathful or that he's not that he's only wrathful or that he's only loving. He is both. Uh and that's only loving. He is both. Uh and that's only loving. He is both. Uh and that's at the heart of his of his character. Uh at the heart of his of his character. Uh at the heart of his of his character. Uh he gave them a long long long long time he gave them a long long long long time he gave them a long long long long time to repent. Yeah. You know, and he to repent. Yeah. You know, and he to repent. Yeah. You know, and he waited. I mean, he could have destroyed waited. I mean, he could have destroyed waited. I mean, he could have destroyed them early, you know, and even before them early, you know, and even before them early, you know, and even before Jeremiah came along.

Jeremiah came along. Jeremiah came along. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> If you read through the prophets, I >> If you read through the prophets, I >> If you read through the prophets, I mean, a long long time ago. And those mean, a long long time ago. And those mean, a long long time ago. And those prophets, you know, go on and on and on prophets, you know, go on and on and on prophets, you know, go on and on and on and on and on. And so God is very very and on and on. And so God is very very and on and on. And so God is very very very very patient and gives people, you very very patient and gives people, you very very patient and gives people, you know, gave the Israelites time and time know, gave the Israelites time and time know, gave the Israelites time and time and time and time and time again. But at and time and time and time again. But at and time and time and time again. But at some point uh that's the end and the and some point uh that's the end and the and some point uh that's the end and the and then and the judgment came. And so I then and the judgment came. And so I then and the judgment came. And so I think that teaches us a lot about God. think that teaches us a lot about God. think that teaches us a lot about God. He has he has patience. He pleads with He has he has patience. He pleads with He has he has patience. He pleads with people people people uh and is is is very patient and calls uh and is is is very patient and calls uh and is is is very patient and calls them and calls them and calls them. Uh them and calls them and calls them. Uh them and calls them and calls them. Uh but at some point, you know, for those but at some point, you know, for those but at some point, you know, for those who have not turned turned to Christ, who have not turned turned to Christ, who have not turned turned to Christ, then there's there there is a time he then there's there there is a time he then there's there there is a time he reaches in. It's not not everybody's reaches in. It's not not everybody's reaches in. It's not not everybody's going to heaven, you know. I mean, going to heaven, you know. I mean, going to heaven, you know. I mean, that's that's that's the message. that's that's that's the message. that's that's that's the message. >> Uh and uh and so there is that there is >> Uh and uh and so there is that there is >> Uh and uh and so there is that there is that side of it, uh that we see. And that side of it, uh that we see. And that side of it, uh that we see. And then as you mentioned before, then as you mentioned before, then as you mentioned before, uh he's he's hurt heard over this. Uh uh he's he's hurt heard over this. Uh uh he's he's hurt heard over this. Uh and uh you know I think some of this is and uh you know I think some of this is and uh you know I think some of this is behind you know Jesus saying blessed are behind you know Jesus saying blessed are behind you know Jesus saying blessed are those that mourn.

those that mourn. those that mourn. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> There is a sorrow sadness when you see >> There is a sorrow sadness when you see >> There is a sorrow sadness when you see the reality here and you when you the reality here and you when you the reality here and you when you recognize that and you see the sorrow of recognize that and you see the sorrow of recognize that and you see the sorrow of it and and you see it you see it in God it and and you see it you see it in God it and and you see it you see it in God you see it in Jesus. You know oh he's you see it in Jesus. You know oh he's you see it in Jesus. You know oh he's still saying oh Jerusalem Jerusalem. I still saying oh Jerusalem Jerusalem. I still saying oh Jerusalem Jerusalem. I mean he looks out at the city uh who was mean he looks out at the city uh who was mean he looks out at the city uh who was going to crucify him. Uh, and here we go going to crucify him. Uh, and here we go going to crucify him. Uh, and here we go again, you know. Uh, and then the Romans again, you know. Uh, and then the Romans again, you know. Uh, and then the Romans are going to come in 70 AD and destroy are going to come in 70 AD and destroy are going to come in 70 AD and destroy Jerusalem again just like the Jerusalem again just like the Jerusalem again just like the Babylonians did. And so you the the Babylonians did. And so you the the Babylonians did. And so you the the sorrow is you have it repeated. I think sorrow is you have it repeated. I think sorrow is you have it repeated. I think Jesus sees that uh when he cries out, Jesus sees that uh when he cries out, Jesus sees that uh when he cries out, "Oh, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you know, how "Oh, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you know, how "Oh, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you know, how I would, you know, bring you in like a I would, you know, bring you in like a I would, you know, bring you in like a chicken brings in her chicks." but you chicken brings in her chicks." but you chicken brings in her chicks." but you rejected you who rejected the prophets rejected you who rejected the prophets rejected you who rejected the prophets now you're rejecting the you know the now you're rejecting the you know the now you're rejecting the you know the son of God and so so we see some of that son of God and so so we see some of that son of God and so so we see some of that same uh sorrow reflected in and in and same uh sorrow reflected in and in and same uh sorrow reflected in and in and Jesus's statements of uh it didn't have Jesus's statements of uh it didn't have Jesus's statements of uh it didn't have to be this way if only if only you would to be this way if only if only you would to be this way if only if only you would repent and then and and pleading you repent and then and and pleading you repent and then and and pleading you know Jeremiah pleads with them you know know Jeremiah pleads with them you know know Jeremiah pleads with them you know he he he >> uh and even after they in his case even >> uh and even after they in his case even >> uh and even after they in his case even after they arrested him beat him up, after they arrested him beat him up, after they arrested him beat him up, nearly killed him. You see that nearly killed him. You see that nearly killed him. You see that paralleled again with Jesus knowing that paralleled again with Jesus knowing that paralleled again with Jesus knowing that these people were going to crucify him these people were going to crucify him these people were going to crucify him and still pleading with them and still and still pleading with them and still and still pleading with them and still dying as their deliverance. They they dying as their deliverance. They they dying as their deliverance. They they can be saved from this because of his

can be saved from this because of his can be saved from this because of his death even though they surely didn't death even though they surely didn't death even though they surely didn't deserve it. Uh like like the rest of us deserve it. Uh like like the rest of us deserve it. Uh like like the rest of us as well. as well. as well. >> Yeah. I it's >> Yeah. I it's >> Yeah. I it's it's hard to it's hard to it's hard to to go through a book like Lamentations to go through a book like Lamentations to go through a book like Lamentations and not hearken back to, you know, other and not hearken back to, you know, other and not hearken back to, you know, other times that we've seen in scripture where times that we've seen in scripture where times that we've seen in scripture where God lets the consequences of sin take God lets the consequences of sin take God lets the consequences of sin take their course. you know, whether it's their course. you know, whether it's their course. you know, whether it's something that is directly causal like a something that is directly causal like a something that is directly causal like a Sodom and Gomorrah or the great flood Sodom and Gomorrah or the great flood Sodom and Gomorrah or the great flood where God is responding to the sins of where God is responding to the sins of where God is responding to the sins of people in the world or it's or it's you people in the world or it's or it's you people in the world or it's or it's you know uh letting the Israelites wander know uh letting the Israelites wander know uh letting the Israelites wander through the desert for 40 years or through the desert for 40 years or through the desert for 40 years or whether it's you know the the all the whether it's you know the the all the whether it's you know the the all the ups and downs that we've read throughout ups and downs that we've read throughout ups and downs that we've read throughout the historical books of of the people the historical books of of the people the historical books of of the people repenting and then falling away repenting and then falling away repenting and then falling away repenting and falling away. It's it's a repenting and falling away. It's it's a repenting and falling away. It's it's a it's a story that we continue to see and it's a story that we continue to see and it's a story that we continue to see and that's where that great is thy that's where that great is thy that's where that great is thy faithfulness rings so true because yes, faithfulness rings so true because yes, faithfulness rings so true because yes, God allows the consequences of sin to God allows the consequences of sin to God allows the consequences of sin to happen. That's a part of his holiness happen. That's a part of his holiness happen. That's a part of his holiness and his justice, but at the same time, and his justice, but at the same time, and his justice, but at the same time, his faithfulness is still very true. And his faithfulness is still very true. And his faithfulness is still very true. And he still he still is there when he still he still is there when he still he still is there when repentance happens. He he's right there.

repentance happens. He he's right there. repentance happens. He he's right there. He He He >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> He doesn't push you back and say, "No, >> He doesn't push you back and say, "No, >> He doesn't push you back and say, "No, no, no." Like he is there for when the no, no." Like he is there for when the no, no." Like he is there for when the repentance happens. And by the way, he repentance happens. And by the way, he repentance happens. And by the way, he still has the savior coming. He still still has the savior coming. He still still has the savior coming. He still has the ultimate grace that is coming. has the ultimate grace that is coming. has the ultimate grace that is coming. So, um, so it's it it's can be hard for So, um, so it's it it's can be hard for So, um, so it's it it's can be hard for people to reconcile with these, you people to reconcile with these, you people to reconcile with these, you know, two sides of God, but they but know, two sides of God, but they but know, two sides of God, but they but they complement each other because they complement each other because they complement each other because they're all part of his divine nature. they're all part of his divine nature. they're all part of his divine nature. He is just. He, you know, he and he is He is just. He, you know, he and he is He is just. He, you know, he and he is holy and does not tolerate sin, but at holy and does not tolerate sin, but at holy and does not tolerate sin, but at the same time, he is faithful and and the same time, he is faithful and and the same time, he is faithful and and full of grace and mercy. And those two full of grace and mercy. And those two full of grace and mercy. And those two things can ring true. And we see that things can ring true. And we see that things can ring true. And we see that play out through scripture. And this is play out through scripture. And this is play out through scripture. And this is another example of that. another example of that. another example of that. >> Yeah. No, absolutely. That's a biblical >> Yeah. No, absolutely. That's a biblical >> Yeah. No, absolutely. That's a biblical theme as you pointed out from the theme as you pointed out from the theme as you pointed out from the beginning to the end. Uh throughout beginning to the end. Uh throughout beginning to the end. Uh throughout scripture, those things are played out. scripture, those things are played out. scripture, those things are played out. And I think the more the more we time we And I think the more the more we time we And I think the more the more we time we spend spend spend grasping the holiness of God. grasping the holiness of God. grasping the holiness of God. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And why sin causes this and the more we >> And why sin causes this and the more we >> And why sin causes this and the more we perceive that, the more we elevate it, perceive that, the more we elevate it, perceive that, the more we elevate it, the more we talk about it, the more the more we talk about it, the more the more we talk about it, the more we're able to grasp these consequences, we're able to grasp these consequences, we're able to grasp these consequences, the punishmental sin and whatever. And I the punishmental sin and whatever. And I the punishmental sin and whatever. And I think the more we ignore the holiness of think the more we ignore the holiness of think the more we ignore the holiness of God, the more we even though he is God, the more we even though he is God, the more we even though he is personal, but the more we kind of bring personal, but the more we kind of bring personal, but the more we kind of bring him down to be just a friend of ours and him down to be just a friend of ours and him down to be just a friend of ours and like ours. And that's okay for the like ours. And that's okay for the like ours. And that's okay for the relationship, but that's not okay for relationship, but that's not okay for relationship, but that's not okay for the character of God. You know, he is the character of God. You know, he is the character of God. You know, he is our friend, but he's not like any of my

our friend, but he's not like any of my our friend, but he's not like any of my friends. You know, he's a he's a he's friends. You know, he's a he's a he's friends. You know, he's a he's a he's and so we don't want to lose his and so we don't want to lose his and so we don't want to lose his holiness in our in our intimate holiness in our in our intimate holiness in our in our intimate relationship. And I think when we do, we relationship. And I think when we do, we relationship. And I think when we do, we lose some of our holiness concepts and lose some of our holiness concepts and lose some of our holiness concepts and because of that, we're puzzled at the because of that, we're puzzled at the because of that, we're puzzled at the reaction to sin. Uh, and so, uh, reaction to sin. Uh, and so, uh, reaction to sin. Uh, and so, uh, >> agreed. Agreed. Okay. So, we focused in >> agreed. Agreed. Okay. So, we focused in >> agreed. Agreed. Okay. So, we focused in on God and what this book teaches us on God and what this book teaches us on God and what this book teaches us about the character of God. What does about the character of God. What does about the character of God. What does this book teach us about us, about this book teach us about us, about this book teach us about us, about people? people? people? >> Yeah. Well, you know, one thing that you >> Yeah. Well, you know, one thing that you >> Yeah. Well, you know, one thing that you get in Jeremiah that you also see in the get in Jeremiah that you also see in the get in Jeremiah that you also see in the Gospels Gospels Gospels is how could they not repent? is how could they not repent? is how could they not repent? I mean, you know, and and this the I mean, you know, and and this the I mean, you know, and and this the gospels helped me a little bit in that, gospels helped me a little bit in that, gospels helped me a little bit in that, you know, if you if you share the gospel you know, if you if you share the gospel you know, if you if you share the gospel with somebody and they don't believe, with somebody and they don't believe, with somebody and they don't believe, then you feel like you did something then you feel like you did something then you feel like you did something wrong. You know, if I had only I had wrong. You know, if I had only I had wrong. You know, if I had only I had done this done this done this >> but those people talked with Jesus, you >> but those people talked with Jesus, you >> but those people talked with Jesus, you know, in the gospel, they are right know, in the gospel, they are right know, in the gospel, they are right there. They see what he does and they do there. They see what he does and they do there. They see what he does and they do not believe and it's just a it's an not believe and it's just a it's an not believe and it's just a it's an incredible beyond belief dumb and dumber incredible beyond belief dumb and dumber incredible beyond belief dumb and dumber kind of reaction but you see it happen kind of reaction but you see it happen kind of reaction but you see it happen you know all the way through scripture you know all the way through scripture you know all the way through scripture and you see it we see it now today you and you see it we see it now today you and you see it we see it now today you know uh and so I think that's one thing know uh and so I think that's one thing know uh and so I think that's one thing that it tells about us as a group okay that it tells about us as a group okay that it tells about us as a group okay is that sometimes we're not very smart is that sometimes we're not very smart is that sometimes we're not very smart uh and people can can in fa in the face

uh and people can can in fa in the face uh and people can can in fa in the face of overwhelming evidence and warning and of overwhelming evidence and warning and of overwhelming evidence and warning and grace offered to them freely some people grace offered to them freely some people grace offered to them freely some people will choose to walk away. Um now for us will choose to walk away. Um now for us will choose to walk away. Um now for us as believers okay who are who have as believers okay who are who have as believers okay who are who have accepted Christ and we're looking for accepted Christ and we're looking for accepted Christ and we're looking for some application some application some application I think I think we see this in the life I think I think we see this in the life I think I think we see this in the life of Jeremiah and as he expresses here of Jeremiah and as he expresses here of Jeremiah and as he expresses here that uh that uh that uh that uh that uh that uh just because you're obedient to God and just because you're obedient to God and just because you're obedient to God and living a faithful life to God doesn't living a faithful life to God doesn't living a faithful life to God doesn't mean you're going to have an easy mean you're going to have an easy mean you're going to have an easy It doesn't mean that you're not going to It doesn't mean that you're not going to It doesn't mean that you're not going to see some horrific things. Uh we live in see some horrific things. Uh we live in see some horrific things. Uh we live in a fallen world, you know, and until a fallen world, you know, and until a fallen world, you know, and until Jesus comes, we'll be in that fallen Jesus comes, we'll be in that fallen Jesus comes, we'll be in that fallen world and we'll see difficult things and world and we'll see difficult things and world and we'll see difficult things and hard things. And some some Christian hard things. And some some Christian hard things. And some some Christian brothers and sisters are called to see brothers and sisters are called to see brothers and sisters are called to see more of that and have to experience more more of that and have to experience more more of that and have to experience more of that of the of that of the of that of the >> the the awfulness of evil and sin and >> the the awfulness of evil and sin and >> the the awfulness of evil and sin and the the horrific things. And so Jeremiah the the horrific things. And so Jeremiah the the horrific things. And so Jeremiah is a good reminder, you know, of a guy is a good reminder, you know, of a guy is a good reminder, you know, of a guy that was faithful to God, but then, you that was faithful to God, but then, you that was faithful to God, but then, you know, he got persecuted, he got beat up, know, he got persecuted, he got beat up, know, he got persecuted, he got beat up, he got arrested, nearly got killed, all he got arrested, nearly got killed, all he got arrested, nearly got killed, all of these, you know, and and the of these, you know, and and the of these, you know, and and the tradition is he did eventually get tradition is he did eventually get tradition is he did eventually get killed down in Egypt. Uh and so that's a killed down in Egypt. Uh and so that's a killed down in Egypt. Uh and so that's a reminder, you know, for for those of us reminder, you know, for for those of us reminder, you know, for for those of us who follow the Lord that this is this is

who follow the Lord that this is this is who follow the Lord that this is this is not a call to an easy way, you know, to not a call to an easy way, you know, to not a call to an easy way, you know, to to say follow Jesus and you'll have an to say follow Jesus and you'll have an to say follow Jesus and you'll have an easy life and you won't experience any easy life and you won't experience any easy life and you won't experience any pain. Uh that uh if you look at those pain. Uh that uh if you look at those pain. Uh that uh if you look at those who do follow him, Jeremiah and even his who do follow him, Jeremiah and even his who do follow him, Jeremiah and even his disciples in the New Testament, uh you disciples in the New Testament, uh you disciples in the New Testament, uh you know, it can be a difficult it can be a know, it can be a difficult it can be a know, it can be a difficult it can be a difficult road. Uh and so whether you're difficult road. Uh and so whether you're difficult road. Uh and so whether you're obedient or not is not measured in, you obedient or not is not measured in, you obedient or not is not measured in, you know, how successful or how smooth, you know, how successful or how smooth, you know, how successful or how smooth, you know, how smooth your life is. Uh and I know, how smooth your life is. Uh and I know, how smooth your life is. Uh and I think that's an important lesson. Uh we think that's an important lesson. Uh we think that's an important lesson. Uh we tend to think sometimes if you're tend to think sometimes if you're tend to think sometimes if you're walking with the Lord, then life will be walking with the Lord, then life will be walking with the Lord, then life will be very smooth and you'll be rolling along. very smooth and you'll be rolling along. very smooth and you'll be rolling along. And if people are struggling, you're And if people are struggling, you're And if people are struggling, you're thinking, well, you must have done thinking, well, you must have done thinking, well, you must have done something something something >> uh wrong. But that's just not true. Uh >> uh wrong. But that's just not true. Uh >> uh wrong. But that's just not true. Uh >> so I think that's a good lesson uh to >> so I think that's a good lesson uh to >> so I think that's a good lesson uh to learn. And and then, you know, I love learn. And and then, you know, I love learn. And and then, you know, I love that chapter three that just right in that chapter three that just right in that chapter three that just right in the middle of all of this horrid stuff the middle of all of this horrid stuff the middle of all of this horrid stuff that he sees that he sees that he sees that no matter how hard it is, uh he is that no matter how hard it is, uh he is that no matter how hard it is, uh he is able to see the reality able to see the reality able to see the reality that this judgment does not hide from that this judgment does not hide from that this judgment does not hide from him that God is loving and compassionate him that God is loving and compassionate him that God is loving and compassionate and that this is a constant that this and that this is a constant that this and that this is a constant that this will that this the judgment is not an will that this the judgment is not an will that this the judgment is not an indication.

indication. indication. >> Yeah. that God is not still loving and >> Yeah. that God is not still loving and >> Yeah. that God is not still loving and compassionate, he is uh and so things we compassionate, he is uh and so things we compassionate, he is uh and so things we see uh around us and however things and see uh around us and however things and see uh around us and however things and some people find themselves in you know some people find themselves in you know some people find themselves in you know difficult horrific situations and they difficult horrific situations and they difficult horrific situations and they need to be able to see beyond that and need to be able to see beyond that and need to be able to see beyond that and realize no God is still in control. He's realize no God is still in control. He's realize no God is still in control. He's still on the throne and he is still still on the throne and he is still still on the throne and he is still loving and he is still faithful loving and he is still faithful loving and he is still faithful uh to his promises and to what he's told uh to his promises and to what he's told uh to his promises and to what he's told us about Jesus Christ and the life we us about Jesus Christ and the life we us about Jesus Christ and the life we have in him. So I think those are things have in him. So I think those are things have in him. So I think those are things that we can you know gain from the from that we can you know gain from the from that we can you know gain from the from the book and uh and and get us through the book and uh and and get us through the book and uh and and get us through difficult times uh is is focusing on difficult times uh is is focusing on difficult times uh is is focusing on those verses right in the middle here. those verses right in the middle here. those verses right in the middle here. >> Yeah. Even just having a book in the >> Yeah. Even just having a book in the >> Yeah. Even just having a book in the Bible called Lamentations is a helpful Bible called Lamentations is a helpful Bible called Lamentations is a helpful reminder to us that it's okay to lament reminder to us that it's okay to lament reminder to us that it's okay to lament that we're, you know, there's that we're, you know, there's that we're, you know, there's encouragement to outpour your emotions, encouragement to outpour your emotions, encouragement to outpour your emotions, you know, to cast your cares onto God, you know, to cast your cares onto God, you know, to cast your cares onto God, to, you know, to to embrace emotion in to, you know, to to embrace emotion in to, you know, to to embrace emotion in that way. You know, it's always helpful, that way. You know, it's always helpful, that way. You know, it's always helpful, you know, to say, well, there's a whole you know, to say, well, there's a whole you know, to say, well, there's a whole book in the Bible called Lamentations, book in the Bible called Lamentations, book in the Bible called Lamentations, which is about a guy who's lamenting which is about a guy who's lamenting which is about a guy who's lamenting what happened. Yeah.

what happened. Yeah. what happened. Yeah. >> And you know when I'm in Psalms and we >> And you know when I'm in Psalms and we >> And you know when I'm in Psalms and we pull out the lament psalms because you pull out the lament psalms because you pull out the lament psalms because you see this in Psalms. see this in Psalms. see this in Psalms. >> I said we do tend to have that thinking >> I said we do tend to have that thinking >> I said we do tend to have that thinking that everything's always good, you know, that everything's always good, you know, that everything's always good, you know, and we're always want to. And I I tell and we're always want to. And I I tell and we're always want to. And I I tell my students, you know, if they call on my students, you know, if they call on my students, you know, if they call on you to pray and you stood up and read you to pray and you stood up and read you to pray and you stood up and read one of these psalms, oh Lord, why do you one of these psalms, oh Lord, why do you one of these psalms, oh Lord, why do you not hear my prayers? Why are you far not hear my prayers? Why are you far not hear my prayers? Why are you far from me when I call all day long? And from me when I call all day long? And from me when I call all day long? And you sit back down. I said, they are not you sit back down. I said, they are not you sit back down. I said, they are not going to call on you to pray anymore. going to call on you to pray anymore. going to call on you to pray anymore. You know, because we don't want that. You know, because we don't want that. You know, because we don't want that. But for some people, that's a critical But for some people, that's a critical But for some people, that's a critical word to hear. word to hear. word to hear. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh for in in any church, there's always >> Uh for in in any church, there's always >> Uh for in in any church, there's always a group of people that need to hear that a group of people that need to hear that a group of people that need to hear that lament. They are lament. They are lament. They are >> It's the truth. It's the truth of >> It's the truth. It's the truth of >> It's the truth. It's the truth of people's experience. People have the people's experience. People have the people's experience. People have the highs and the lows. People feel near and highs and the lows. People feel near and highs and the lows. People feel near and far at different times. And so there's far at different times. And so there's far at different times. And so there's no point in trying to pretend like no point in trying to pretend like no point in trying to pretend like everything's all hunky dory. Like everything's all hunky dory. Like everything's all hunky dory. Like sometimes we feel like we have to. It's, sometimes we feel like we have to. It's, sometimes we feel like we have to. It's, you know, sometimes things aren't. And you know, sometimes things aren't. And you know, sometimes things aren't. And that's that's okay. that's that's okay. that's that's okay. >> Yeah. Yeah. And the Bible gives us a way >> Yeah. Yeah. And the Bible gives us a way >> Yeah. Yeah. And the Bible gives us a way to express that and to say that and to to express that and to say that and to to express that and to say that and to recognize that. Yeah.

recognize that. Yeah. recognize that. Yeah. >> Yeah. Um, what are like two verses or >> Yeah. Um, what are like two verses or >> Yeah. Um, what are like two verses or passages that you think are worth passages that you think are worth passages that you think are worth highlighting for our listeners? Maybe highlighting for our listeners? Maybe highlighting for our listeners? Maybe they want to dive into reading they want to dive into reading they want to dive into reading Lamentations. Now, what are like a Lamentations. Now, what are like a Lamentations. Now, what are like a couple of verses or passages that they couple of verses or passages that they couple of verses or passages that they should be on the lookout for? should be on the lookout for? should be on the lookout for? >> Well, of course, our our favorite ones >> Well, of course, our our favorite ones >> Well, of course, our our favorite ones are the good ones. Okay. The positive are the good ones. Okay. The positive are the good ones. Okay. The positive the positive ones if you just want to the positive ones if you just want to the positive ones if you just want to get a feel. for the tone of the book, get a feel. for the tone of the book, get a feel. for the tone of the book, then certainly you can just read the then certainly you can just read the then certainly you can just read the first chapter, first couple of verses. first chapter, first couple of verses. first chapter, first couple of verses. You got you got it. You don't have to You got you got it. You don't have to You got you got it. You don't have to read the whole thing to get the feel for read the whole thing to get the feel for read the whole thing to get the feel for it, you know. Uh and so there is this, it, you know. Uh and so there is this, it, you know. Uh and so there is this, you know, verse two, bitterly she weeps you know, verse two, bitterly she weeps you know, verse two, bitterly she weeps at night. Tears are on her cheeks among at night. Tears are on her cheeks among at night. Tears are on her cheeks among all her lovers. And this was probably all her lovers. And this was probably all her lovers. And this was probably the nations they were allied with, Edom the nations they were allied with, Edom the nations they were allied with, Edom and Moab. We see that in Jeremiah. Among and Moab. We see that in Jeremiah. Among and Moab. We see that in Jeremiah. Among all her lovers, there's no one to all her lovers, there's no one to all her lovers, there's no one to comfort her. All her friends have comfort her. All her friends have comfort her. All her friends have betrayed her. they've become her betrayed her. they've become her betrayed her. they've become her enemies. So, pretty soon you see this enemies. So, pretty soon you see this enemies. So, pretty soon you see this terrible stuff. So, you can get that terrible stuff. So, you can get that terrible stuff. So, you can get that feel for it pretty quickly. It's not feel for it pretty quickly. It's not feel for it pretty quickly. It's not it's not hard to find. Uh but I really it's not hard to find. Uh but I really it's not hard to find. Uh but I really like the positives end of it. Okay. So, like the positives end of it. Okay. So, like the positives end of it. Okay. So, there in chapter 3 in verse 21, uh he there in chapter 3 in verse 21, uh he there in chapter 3 in verse 21, uh he says, "Yet you know this I call to mind says, "Yet you know this I call to mind says, "Yet you know this I call to mind or in my heart and therefore I have or in my heart and therefore I have or in my heart and therefore I have hope." So, here's this hope in the hope." So, here's this hope in the hope." So, here's this hope in the midst. And so, to be able to use that midst. And so, to be able to use that midst. And so, to be able to use that word hope word hope word hope >> Yeah. in the in this context uh is uh is >> Yeah. in the in this context uh is uh is >> Yeah. in the in this context uh is uh is to me is tremendous. And so he says to me is tremendous. And so he says to me is tremendous. And so he says because of the Lord's great love, this because of the Lord's great love, this because of the Lord's great love, this is your word, the loyal, faithful love,

is your word, the loyal, faithful love, is your word, the loyal, faithful love, and it's plural. and it's plural. and it's plural. >> Uh so because of the Lord's great loves, >> Uh so because of the Lord's great loves, >> Uh so because of the Lord's great loves, >> plural. Uh we're not consumed. And for >> plural. Uh we're not consumed. And for >> plural. Uh we're not consumed. And for his compassions never fail. They're new his compassions never fail. They're new his compassions never fail. They're new every morning. And we love that. You every morning. And we love that. You every morning. And we love that. You know, every morning there's new. It's know, every morning there's new. It's know, every morning there's new. It's not old. It doesn't go away. It's it's not old. It doesn't go away. It's it's not old. It doesn't go away. It's it's renewed. And then here's where he says, renewed. And then here's where he says, renewed. And then here's where he says, "Great is your faithfulness." Uh and uh "Great is your faithfulness." Uh and uh "Great is your faithfulness." Uh and uh many really is the word, the Hebrew many really is the word, the Hebrew many really is the word, the Hebrew word. Many or much is your is your word. Many or much is your is your word. Many or much is your is your faithfulness. And our and our song, faithfulness. And our and our song, faithfulness. And our and our song, great is thy faithfulness uh captures great is thy faithfulness uh captures great is thy faithfulness uh captures that. I think that's why we love that. that. I think that's why we love that. that. I think that's why we love that. We love that song. Uh like I said, we We love that song. Uh like I said, we We love that song. Uh like I said, we sang it in church last Sunday. We sang sang it in church last Sunday. We sang sang it in church last Sunday. We sang that at our wedding. And so, so anyway, that at our wedding. And so, so anyway, that at our wedding. And so, so anyway, so uh and then 24, you know, I say to so uh and then 24, you know, I say to so uh and then 24, you know, I say to myself, the Lord's my portion, therefore myself, the Lord's my portion, therefore myself, the Lord's my portion, therefore I'll wait for him. So this is like the I'll wait for him. So this is like the I'll wait for him. So this is like the end of Habach. end of Habach. end of Habach. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> You know, where he sees that coming >> You know, where he sees that coming >> You know, where he sees that coming judgment, but he says, no, he'll just judgment, but he says, no, he'll just judgment, but he says, no, he'll just wait, you know, for for the Lord will wait, you know, for for the Lord will wait, you know, for for the Lord will come and he sees beyond that uh as well.

come and he sees beyond that uh as well. come and he sees beyond that uh as well. Uh and then 25, the Lord is good to Uh and then 25, the Lord is good to Uh and then 25, the Lord is good to those who hope in him, to the one who those who hope in him, to the one who those who hope in him, to the one who seeks him. It is good to wait quietly seeks him. It is good to wait quietly seeks him. It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. for the salvation of the Lord. for the salvation of the Lord. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So in the middle of this horrific thing, >> So in the middle of this horrific thing, >> So in the middle of this horrific thing, there are these verses of hope and uh there are these verses of hope and uh there are these verses of hope and uh and uh beyond and in the midst of it and and uh beyond and in the midst of it and and uh beyond and in the midst of it and because of the constant faithfulness, because of the constant faithfulness, because of the constant faithfulness, loving compassionate God, he realized loving compassionate God, he realized loving compassionate God, he realized this is not the last word, you know, this is not the last word, you know, this is not the last word, you know, this is not the final this destruction this is not the final this destruction this is not the final this destruction in Jerusalem is not the final saying. in Jerusalem is not the final saying. in Jerusalem is not the final saying. Uh, and so, so yeah, so I, you know, I Uh, and so, so yeah, so I, you know, I Uh, and so, so yeah, so I, you know, I love those and, uh, it's easy to pull love those and, uh, it's easy to pull love those and, uh, it's easy to pull them out. I mean, they're them out. I mean, they're them out. I mean, they're >> they're true and they're wonderful apart >> they're true and they're wonderful apart >> they're true and they're wonderful apart from the book of Lamentations, from the book of Lamentations, from the book of Lamentations, >> but when you put them into the context >> but when you put them into the context >> but when you put them into the context of lamentations, then that word hope of lamentations, then that word hope of lamentations, then that word hope >> Yeah. jumps out at you and becomes you >> Yeah. jumps out at you and becomes you >> Yeah. jumps out at you and becomes you realize there is always hope you know realize there is always hope you know realize there is always hope you know and I think that's an important message and I think that's an important message and I think that's an important message for for the saints out there as well for for the saints out there as well for for the saints out there as well that you know regardless of your that you know regardless of your that you know regardless of your situation whatever it is there's there's situation whatever it is there's there's situation whatever it is there's there's hope you know there is no situation hope you know there is no situation hope you know there is no situation worse than this that you hardly you know worse than this that you hardly you know worse than this that you hardly you know yeah yeah yeah >> and yet here Jeremiah they were able to >> and yet here Jeremiah they were able to >> and yet here Jeremiah they were able to find hope in this situation and trust in find hope in this situation and trust in find hope in this situation and trust in Lord so that's an important message for Lord so that's an important message for Lord so that's an important message for us to bring out so yeah so I love those us to bring out so yeah so I love those us to bring out so yeah so I love those >> good >> good >> good >> those passages that that that one brief >> those passages that that that one brief >> those passages that that that one brief positive one and then positive one and then positive one and then >> the rest of it's a lot to say >> the rest of it's a lot to say >> the rest of it's a lot to say >> important one to highlight well and and >> important one to highlight well and and >> important one to highlight well and and that kind of ties right into the next that kind of ties right into the next that kind of ties right into the next question which is kind of a silly question which is kind of a silly question which is kind of a silly question to ask in this context you know

question to ask in this context you know question to ask in this context you know we always try to ask like what's a we always try to ask like what's a we always try to ask like what's a sticky part about this book or part sticky part about this book or part sticky part about this book or part that's hard to read or confusing or that's hard to read or confusing or that's hard to read or confusing or whatever and you know in this case the whatever and you know in this case the whatever and you know in this case the whole book is a hard to read thing but I whole book is a hard to read thing but I whole book is a hard to read thing but I I still want to open it up to you is I still want to open it up to you is I still want to open it up to you is there is there something that you wanted there is there something that you wanted there is there something that you wanted to today about the nature of the hard to today about the nature of the hard to today about the nature of the hard read. read. read. >> No, I you know I think we've touched on >> No, I you know I think we've touched on >> No, I you know I think we've touched on it already, Jason. The uh the the it already, Jason. The uh the the it already, Jason. The uh the the combination of the wrath and judgment combination of the wrath and judgment combination of the wrath and judgment with with with >> especially chapter four with the love. >> especially chapter four with the love. >> especially chapter four with the love. Yeah. Yeah. So, we you know uh we we've Yeah. Yeah. So, we you know uh we we've Yeah. Yeah. So, we you know uh we we've already covered some of that and I think already covered some of that and I think already covered some of that and I think that's the trick. That's the hard part that's the trick. That's the hard part that's the trick. That's the hard part is to make sure we can balance those two is to make sure we can balance those two is to make sure we can balance those two and not dismiss it. Uh and not dismiss it. Uh and not dismiss it. Uh >> and uh and the difficulties. Yeah. Four >> and uh and the difficulties. Yeah. Four >> and uh and the difficulties. Yeah. Four is the hardest one with the kids of is the hardest one with the kids of is the hardest one with the kids of course. Uh Yeah, I think I just wanted course. Uh Yeah, I think I just wanted course. Uh Yeah, I think I just wanted to add an encouragement for people to to add an encouragement for people to to add an encouragement for people to not just skip by it, not just be like, not just skip by it, not just be like, not just skip by it, not just be like, h, I don't feel like a downer or I don't h, I don't feel like a downer or I don't h, I don't feel like a downer or I don't feel like something that's hard right feel like something that's hard right feel like something that's hard right now. Uh, instead like dive into it with now. Uh, instead like dive into it with now. Uh, instead like dive into it with God. You know, the Holy Spirit is God. You know, the Holy Spirit is God. You know, the Holy Spirit is reading it with you and you know, and reading it with you and you know, and reading it with you and you know, and really try to sit with the realness of really try to sit with the realness of really try to sit with the realness of it that this is something that really it that this is something that really it that this is something that really happened. It's not just something you're happened. It's not just something you're happened. It's not just something you're reading on a page. That this is this is reading on a page. That this is this is reading on a page. That this is this is a person who lived responding to events a person who lived responding to events a person who lived responding to events that really happened.

that really happened. that really happened. And um that all of the emotional And um that all of the emotional And um that all of the emotional outpour, all of the crying out, all all outpour, all of the crying out, all all outpour, all of the crying out, all all of the wishing that things had gone of the wishing that things had gone of the wishing that things had gone differently was all true. And I would differently was all true. And I would differently was all true. And I would just encourage you to sit in that with just encourage you to sit in that with just encourage you to sit in that with God. Now, it may not be your most fun God. Now, it may not be your most fun God. Now, it may not be your most fun time with God, but but he may want to time with God, but but he may want to time with God, but but he may want to tell you something through it. He he may tell you something through it. He he may tell you something through it. He he may want to point something out in your want to point something out in your want to point something out in your heart or he may want to give you a call heart or he may want to give you a call heart or he may want to give you a call like, you know, to put a name in your like, you know, to put a name in your like, you know, to put a name in your mind of somebody who is like Jerusalem mind of somebody who is like Jerusalem mind of somebody who is like Jerusalem in like right now for you who is is in like right now for you who is is in like right now for you who is is hearing but not receiving and, you know, hearing but not receiving and, you know, hearing but not receiving and, you know, to show them some extra, you know, love to show them some extra, you know, love to show them some extra, you know, love and to be a bit more intentional about and to be a bit more intentional about and to be a bit more intentional about trying to reach them for Jesus. I don't trying to reach them for Jesus. I don't trying to reach them for Jesus. I don't know. I don't know what he's going to know. I don't know what he's going to know. I don't know what he's going to do, but my encouragement is to not just do, but my encouragement is to not just do, but my encouragement is to not just skip by it. skip by it. skip by it. >> Yeah, absolutely. And and you know, you >> Yeah, absolutely. And and you know, you >> Yeah, absolutely. And and you know, you can envision Jeremiah if he's writing can envision Jeremiah if he's writing can envision Jeremiah if he's writing this and God is prompting him and I can this and God is prompting him and I can this and God is prompting him and I can see him, he does have these long see him, he does have these long see him, he does have these long dialogues with God. So, I can see him in dialogues with God. So, I can see him in dialogues with God. So, I can see him in the conversation which we don't have the conversation which we don't have the conversation which we don't have kind of saying, you haven't I said that kind of saying, you haven't I said that kind of saying, you haven't I said that enough already, you know, have we've enough already, you know, have we've enough already, you know, have we've already talked about this? Do we need a already talked about this? Do we need a already talked about this? Do we need a whole book on this? you know, uh, and I whole book on this? you know, uh, and I whole book on this? you know, uh, and I can see him, you know, thinking because can see him, you know, thinking because can see him, you know, thinking because it would have been painful to continue it would have been painful to continue it would have been painful to continue and to write it, and yet God saw fit to and to write it, and yet God saw fit to and to write it, and yet God saw fit to record it.

record it. record it. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh, and to have it placed here and >> Uh, and to have it placed here and >> Uh, and to have it placed here and transmitted and protected and placed in transmitted and protected and placed in transmitted and protected and placed in the cannon. Uh, and so I think, you the cannon. Uh, and so I think, you the cannon. Uh, and so I think, you know, as Paul says, it's all profitable. know, as Paul says, it's all profitable. know, as Paul says, it's all profitable. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> We're teaching and reproof. And we would >> We're teaching and reproof. And we would >> We're teaching and reproof. And we would like to put an asterisk there and down like to put an asterisk there and down like to put an asterisk there and down in the footnote say accept lamentation. in the footnote say accept lamentation. in the footnote say accept lamentation. You know, you can't you can't say that. You know, you can't you can't say that. You know, you can't you can't say that. Yeah, you can't say that. It's here. Yeah, you can't say that. It's here. Yeah, you can't say that. It's here. >> And and it's part of the uh I would say >> And and it's part of the uh I would say >> And and it's part of the uh I would say the well-rounded the well-rounded the well-rounded maturess of the believer. maturess of the believer. maturess of the believer. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> That there's a stage in our life when >> That there's a stage in our life when >> That there's a stage in our life when okay, maybe we can't handle, we don't okay, maybe we can't handle, we don't okay, maybe we can't handle, we don't want to, we want to focus only on what's want to, we want to focus only on what's want to, we want to focus only on what's all positive things. Okay. Well, there all positive things. Okay. Well, there all positive things. Okay. Well, there are stages like that. We don't need to are stages like that. We don't need to are stages like that. We don't need to spring this on a new believer or uh too spring this on a new believer or uh too spring this on a new believer or uh too quickly or whatever. But but I but I quickly or whatever. But but I but I quickly or whatever. But but I but I think as you walk with the Lord and you think as you walk with the Lord and you think as you walk with the Lord and you want to get a full understanding of all want to get a full understanding of all want to get a full understanding of all of scripture and you're trying to put of scripture and you're trying to put of scripture and you're trying to put things together in all of scripture, things together in all of scripture, things together in all of scripture, including the book of Revelation at the including the book of Revelation at the including the book of Revelation at the end and these things, then I think you end and these things, then I think you end and these things, then I think you need to at least be aware of it and know need to at least be aware of it and know need to at least be aware of it and know how to fit these things, God's grace and how to fit these things, God's grace and how to fit these things, God's grace and judgment together and understand that judgment together and understand that judgment together and understand that and and and limitations uh limitations and and and limitations uh limitations and and and limitations uh limitations helps us to do that. But don't spend helps us to do that. But don't spend helps us to do that. But don't spend forever.

forever. forever. >> Yeah. You don't want to dwell in here. >> Yeah. You don't want to dwell in here. >> Yeah. You don't want to dwell in here. You, you know, spend some time. You, you know, spend some time. You, you know, spend some time. >> Good note. >> Good note. >> Good note. >> Then bought back into something a little >> Then bought back into something a little >> Then bought back into something a little more positive, you know. more positive, you know. more positive, you know. >> True. >> True. >> True. >> So, we've come to the last question. >> So, we've come to the last question. >> So, we've come to the last question. Now, now what you had to say about about Now, now what you had to say about about Now, now what you had to say about about the Hebrew alphabet in u in the the Hebrew alphabet in u in the the Hebrew alphabet in u in the structure like fits this last question structure like fits this last question structure like fits this last question perfectly. So, it's okay if you just perfectly. So, it's okay if you just perfectly. So, it's okay if you just want to rest on that. But if you have want to rest on that. But if you have want to rest on that. But if you have something else, we always like to also something else, we always like to also something else, we always like to also end by asking what is something that you end by asking what is something that you end by asking what is something that you think as somebody who has spent a lot of think as somebody who has spent a lot of think as somebody who has spent a lot of time pouring into lamentations and a lot time pouring into lamentations and a lot time pouring into lamentations and a lot and have written books on lamentations. and have written books on lamentations. and have written books on lamentations. What is something that you think What is something that you think What is something that you think everybody should know about this book everybody should know about this book everybody should know about this book but probably doesn't? but probably doesn't? but probably doesn't? >> Yeah. I think I would say two things, >> Yeah. I think I would say two things, >> Yeah. I think I would say two things, both of which we've mentioned. One, of both of which we've mentioned. One, of both of which we've mentioned. One, of course, the acrostic layout. course, the acrostic layout. course, the acrostic layout. >> Yeah, that was really cool to hear >> Yeah, that was really cool to hear >> Yeah, that was really cool to hear about. I didn't know. about. I didn't know. about. I didn't know. >> I think that's I think that's fun. And >> I think that's I think that's fun. And >> I think that's I think that's fun. And uh the other thing is that first verse uh the other thing is that first verse uh the other thing is that first verse in the in the in the >> septitude >> septitude >> septitude >> that says that Jeremiah you know wrote >> that says that Jeremiah you know wrote >> that says that Jeremiah you know wrote the book that he sits down he cries and the book that he sits down he cries and the book that he sits down he cries and said you know so this is a lament of said you know so this is a lament of said you know so this is a lament of Jeremiah in the dust of the destruction Jeremiah in the dust of the destruction Jeremiah in the dust of the destruction uh and uh and I would really wish that uh and uh and I would really wish that uh and uh and I would really wish that translators put that in the footnotes.

translators put that in the footnotes. translators put that in the footnotes. You know, there's other places where the You know, there's other places where the You know, there's other places where the septagent varies and they put a footnote septagent varies and they put a footnote septagent varies and they put a footnote down there and tell you that and uh and down there and tell you that and uh and down there and tell you that and uh and I've always been surprised that I I I've always been surprised that I I I've always been surprised that I I haven't seen it. There may be there may haven't seen it. There may be there may haven't seen it. There may be there may be some translations that include it, be some translations that include it, be some translations that include it, but uh but I think that's something but uh but I think that's something but uh but I think that's something that's helpful to know to read this as that's helpful to know to read this as that's helpful to know to read this as Jeremiah's heartfelt, you know, Jeremiah's heartfelt, you know, Jeremiah's heartfelt, you know, >> weeping as he uh as he as he makes this >> weeping as he uh as he as he makes this >> weeping as he uh as he as he makes this lament. M well Danny, thank you so much lament. M well Danny, thank you so much lament. M well Danny, thank you so much for helping us navigate through the book for helping us navigate through the book for helping us navigate through the book of Lamentations. Not necessarily an easy of Lamentations. Not necessarily an easy of Lamentations. Not necessarily an easy one, but the conversation has been great one, but the conversation has been great one, but the conversation has been great and I really do appreciate it. Would you and I really do appreciate it. Would you and I really do appreciate it. Would you mind closing us out by praying for mind closing us out by praying for mind closing us out by praying for people may as they read Lamentations? people may as they read Lamentations? people may as they read Lamentations? Maybe they were weary before, but they Maybe they were weary before, but they Maybe they were weary before, but they want to dive into it now, you know, want to dive into it now, you know, want to dive into it now, you know, after everything that we've talked after everything that we've talked after everything that we've talked about. So would you pray for people as about. So would you pray for people as about. So would you pray for people as they dive into this book? they dive into this book? they dive into this book? >> Sure. Father, we just thank you so much >> Sure. Father, we just thank you so much >> Sure. Father, we just thank you so much for giving us the scriptures and for giving us the scriptures and for giving us the scriptures and allowing us to read scriptures and allowing us to read scriptures and allowing us to read scriptures and allowing us to read such a wide range of allowing us to read such a wide range of allowing us to read such a wide range of things in scripture that we can learn things in scripture that we can learn things in scripture that we can learn about you and can learn about your about you and can learn about your about you and can learn about your character and help us, Father, as we character and help us, Father, as we character and help us, Father, as we read through the book of Lamentations to read through the book of Lamentations to read through the book of Lamentations to grasp uh the seriousness of sin and the grasp uh the seriousness of sin and the grasp uh the seriousness of sin and the consequences of sin and to be able to uh consequences of sin and to be able to uh consequences of sin and to be able to uh grapple with that and fit that into our grapple with that and fit that into our grapple with that and fit that into our understanding that you are also loving understanding that you are also loving understanding that you are also loving and compassionate. Uh it also helps us and compassionate. Uh it also helps us and compassionate. Uh it also helps us father we thank you for the salvation father we thank you for the salvation father we thank you for the salvation that you have given to us through Jesus

that you have given to us through Jesus that you have given to us through Jesus Christ. And when we see uh the Christ. And when we see uh the Christ. And when we see uh the consequences consequences consequences uh of of of of not being one of your uh of of of of not being one of your uh of of of of not being one of your children and of the visual pictures of children and of the visual pictures of children and of the visual pictures of punishment like this, we thank you for punishment like this, we thank you for punishment like this, we thank you for the eternal life and wonderful salvation the eternal life and wonderful salvation the eternal life and wonderful salvation and fellowship that we have uh in Jesus and fellowship that we have uh in Jesus and fellowship that we have uh in Jesus Christ. So we thank you for that and Christ. So we thank you for that and Christ. So we thank you for that and praise you for that as well. Be with us, praise you for that as well. Be with us, praise you for that as well. Be with us, Father, as we read scripture, all of Father, as we read scripture, all of Father, as we read scripture, all of scripture. Help us to understand it, to scripture. Help us to understand it, to scripture. Help us to understand it, to mature in the faith as we interact with mature in the faith as we interact with mature in the faith as we interact with it and and weave it into our lives and it and and weave it into our lives and it and and weave it into our lives and into our understanding of you. And we into our understanding of you. And we into our understanding of you. And we pray all of this in the name of Jesus pray all of this in the name of Jesus pray all of this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.