Chapter Summary

Lamentation of the state of Judah in captivity. Supplications for the return of mercy.

Discussion Questions for Lamentations, Chapter 5

1. What is the significance of the metaphor that the Israelites had become "orphans, fatherless; our mothers are widows" (HCSB)? In what way might this be a spiritual metaphor? How does being an orphan correspond to our lives before Christ? How do you view orphans and the fatherless in light of this spiritual metaphor?
2. Why does Jeremiah describe such graphic treatment of the Israelites by their enemies in verses 11-12? Why is it important for us to know the depths of depravity that Israel experienced? How does knowing the deep sorrows of another person help us empathize with their suffering? What is one way that you have helped another person walk through suffering by listening to their story, and how did that situation turn out?
3. Why does Jeremiah ask God to "remember what has happened to us" (HCSB)? Does this imply that God forgets? How does God "remember" you? How would God's remembrance of you bring you hope during times of affliction and suffering?
4. How does placing "treaties with Egypt and with Assyria" show Israel's tendency to run to other people for provision? Why would this action have been such a negative thing? When are you tempted to rely on the people around you to get what you need, rather than depending on the Lord for what you need?
5. Can you find an element of "generational sin" in this passage? Are we responsible for the sins of our fathers and past generations? How can the sins from previous generations affect us today? In what ways have you seen the sins from your parents or others impact your life today?
6. Why is it important that Israel recognized their sin in verses 16-18? How important is it for us to understand both our sin, and the consequences of our sin? What is an example of when you recognized and repented of your sin, and what was the result of that action?
7. What picture comes to mind when Jeremiah says "joy has left our hearts" (HCSB)? How does this depict the grief and sorrow that the Israelites were experiencing? How do you respond in times of deep despair? How does that motivate you to pursue God?
8. What do the Israelites see as their "disgrace" (HCSB) in verse 1? How does losing their homeland reflect their belief that they have lost their dignity? What is the relationship between our culture and our view of ourselves? In what ways do you connect your society with your value as a person?
9. What is the significance of their prayer for God to "restore" (HCSB) them? How does God restore His people when they have sinned against Him? How have you seen God restore you when you have sinned against Him?
10. Why do you think the Israelites were so confident that they could have hope in the future? What does this say about how they viewed God and His mercy? What actions or reminders help you have hope in God for the future?

Key Words/Phrase

No rest, vv. 7, 15.

Characters

God, Jeremiah.

Strong Verse(s)

7, 19.