Overview
Five laments over the devastation of Jerusalem and the Temple by Babylon. While acknowledging the judgment of YHWH upon the people's sin, the book places its hope in His steadfast love and faithfulness and pleads for restoration.
Theme Mourning over the fall of Jerusalem and hope in the faithfulness of YHWH
Historical background
The Septuagint and Talmudic tradition attribute the book to Jeremiah, and 2 Chronicles 35:25 records that Jeremiah composed laments. Chapters 1–4 are alphabetic acrostics following the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet. In Jewish tradition the book is read on the Ninth of Av (Tisha B'Av), which commemorates the destruction of the Temple.