Chapter Summary

Lamentation on the effect of the calamities of Judah. God's passionate consideration appealed to.

Discussion Questions for Lamentations, Chapter 2

1. Why does Jeremiah include such a graphic example in verse 20? How does this help you relate to the extreme suffering experienced by the Israelites at the hands of her enemies? In what ways does this motivate you to address the evil and suffering experienced by those in our world today?
2. How do verses 10-11 express the magnitude of grief and sorrow? Why is it important to express our grief? How do you grieve, and what does that teach you about God's ability to comfort you?
3. What role does God play in the physical judgment of His people in chapter 2? Do these actions change your view of God? Why do you think God is justified in executing justice in this way? How might God still work this way in our world today?
4. Why does Jeremiah spend significant time describing the destruction of religious buildings, people, and institutions? What does this say about God's disdain for religious hypocrisy? Why do you think God did not even spare the temple, altar, and "His place of meeting" (HCSB)?
5. How does verse 22 underscore the the total hopelessness for the Israelites in this judgment? How does this impact your view of God's mercy and forgiveness? How do you personally understand God's nature and character after reading that?
6. Why do you think Jeremiah continues the structure of chapter 1 by using all the Hebrew letters as sections? How would you compare the "completeness" of using the whole Hebrew alphabet with the "completeness" of the destruction of Israel for their sin? In what ways do you see God's sovereignty and authority over this judgment by His use of this literary structure?
7. How does God doing "what He planned" (HCSB) in verse 17 bring clarity to this destruction? In what ways does that help you understand your current sufferings? What does this teach you about God's knowledge and awareness of your difficult circumstances?
8. What specific sins resulted in Israel facing these consequences in the first place? What does this teach you about the severity of consequences for our behavior? Does God always have to punish our sins? In what ways have you seen God address specific sins in your life?
9. How do God's people respond to His judgment in chapter 2? What does this teach us about how to address God in times of suffering and difficulty? How do you personally pray to God when you are experiencing difficult life circumstances?
10. Can you find instances of hope or redemption in this chapter? What does this teach us about how to look for hope in desperate times? How do you intentionally try to find hope in God in your sorrows?

Key Words/Phrase

Swallowed up, v. 5.

Characters

God, Jeremiah.

Strong Verse(s)

17 (a).