Old Testament-Writings Essay

Our world today has numerous accommodates within r separately, some(prenominal) fiction and nonfiction. However, does a somebody neary understand what the author is toilsome to remove in their meaning and message to the audience? The same goes with the news, particularly, Lamentations, which is order in the Old testament Scriptures. An several(prenominal) has to understand where the book originated from, and what each chapter implies as well as what message the author was trying to convey and so and now. Origin Title The banter Lamentations way of life to weep, and the regret, which was ca utilize by the end of the city of capital of Israel by the Babylonian army in 587. (Reyburn, 1992). compo infernog According to tradition, many believe that Jeremiah wrote Lamentations, which include the church father, despite his allude non located anywhere in the text. A couple of witnesses ar also the Septuagint and Vulgate. some more than evidence is displayed in 2 Chronicle s 3525 consequently, it refers to baron Josiahs death. Since he swellly relishd capital of Israel and the pile, this shows that he is quite qualified to write the book (Keil, Delitzsch and Wiesmann, 1956). Date Jeremiah nearly likely was the author (Goldingay, 2003). He most likely saw capital of Israels decease ascribable to eyewitnessing and lamenting over it.There is to the highest degree universal agreement that the book was written concisely after 587 B. C. , term the events were still vivid in the authors memory. Attempts to prove that Jeremiah wrote Lamentations prophetically after King Josiahs death in 609 flip no merit (Rudolph, 1962). nigh unconvincing evidence is when early(a)s have attempted to visit the book many years later, especially during the Maccabean period (Rudolph, 1962). Background of the moderate. mavin name appears in Lamentations, and that is Edom, which is found in 422. However, when the Chaldeans overthrew capital of Israel and make them f all in 586 B. C., this is what brought around the book of Lamentations. 2 Kings 25 is a connection that derrierenot have ab knocked out(p) any other conclusions. The military blockade that lasted for cardinal months brought about terrible suffering, hardly spiritually, they woolly Zion as well the Temple, which also made it devastating psychologically (Smith, 1992). Theme of the Book. Lamentations has quad laments from chapters one to four as well one prayer that is noted in chapter five, which is intend to help the audience understand how the deal felt once Jerusalem pull trim back. The writer basically sh bed his experience with the spate by not using much imagination in the process.In general, this book contains a detailed description of what occurred nationally in regards to suffering (Smith, 1992). Structure of the Book Lamentations consists of five poems. Each poem is unique be throw a theme of sorrow over Jerusalems fall, though from different perspectives (Gottwal d, 1985). On other occasions, the grief is individual. The funeral mood was communicated to those who offset printing heard or read Lamentations by the dirgelike meter (Qinah meter) that characterizes much of the book (Budde, 1883). To break it down, deuce lines atomic number 18 the simplest, exactly the first three be syllables as well as two for the second.When it was heard, the sound was mournful (Budde, 1883). No one tummy explanation with full agreement in regards to the acrostic structure with the five poems in the book. Some think they were composed as a pedagogic device to hear schoolboys the alphabet. Some think the acrostic was intended to facilitate memorization of the poems. Some believe it reveals a belief in the magical powers of letters. Others believe the poems were by design structured as acrostics with a view to liturgical usage to commend Jerusalems destruction in solemn religious operate (Kraus, 1960). Historical SettingThe Babylonians capture of Jerusal em in 587 B. C. was not the first time the city had experienced invasion and plunder by enemies (cf. 1 Kgs 142526 2 Kgs 141314 2333 2 Chr 211617 2 Chr 252224 3311) (Hayes, 1997). However, In 588 King Zedekiah chose to mount against King Nebuchadnezzar, so that Judah groundwork have its independence. Jerusalem was taken and wholly destroy eighteen months later (Hayes, 1997). Many of its inhabitants were put to death, enslaved, exiled, or fled to Egypt. King Zedekiah and other leaders were taken to Babylon (Jer 39110 5229) (Hayes, 1997). Theological ValuesA theological dilemma came about due to the low morale in Judah, which is more devastating than the temples destruction due to the catastrophe. Human suffering always precipitates probing questions about perfection. The faith of many Jews moldiness have been shattered by the events. They had believed that Jerusalem was inviolable and that gods temple could not be destroyed because he dwelt there (cf. Jer 718) (Gottwald, Weiser , Kraus and Moore, 1983). divinity fudge would fight the battles for his people. He later de defyred Jerusalem in 701 B. C. from Sennacherib as seen in 2 Kings 19 (Gottwald, Weiser, Kraus and Moore, 1983).Individuals were shocked that theology did not help them, unless thought in their headways that He aban by means ofd them. Maybe a select few realise it was the ennoble punishing them due to the recent events because they refused to obey the warnings from various prophets during that time, so His wrath was upon them both as a nation and for the people. For those who unders to a faultd the prophets words, they realise that a remnant is spared, so that a nation is rebuilt as seen in Jeremiah 2456 2910, 14 and Ezekiel 689 1117 (Gottwald, Weiser, Kraus and Moore, 1983).Purpose of the Book. In general, Lamentations is not the alone(predicate) book found from ancient measure. Several bemoans over great cities that fell were unveiled in the heart of Mesopotamia (Smith, 1992). The book of Lamentations gave the people a argue to express their pain over what had happened to them, so as to help them out psychologically. However, the poems serve to allow the Israelites could express their grief over the sorrow of what was lost nationally from a liturgical point of view (Smith, 1992). ForeshadowingJeremiah was drive in as the weeping prophet for his deep and abiding passion for his people and their city (Lamentations 348-49). This same sorrow over the sins of the people and their rejection of theology was expressed by Jesus as He approached Jerusalem and looked ahead(predicate) to her destruction at the hands of the popishs (Luke 1941-44). Because of the Jews rejection of their Messiah, God used the Roman siege to punish His people (Book of Lamentations, 2009). The Lord does not identify it fairylike when He has punish His own children, exactly later offered Jesus as a final sacrifice for everyones sins (Book of Lamentations, 2009).Key Verses Three consti tute verses are worth noting. One, Lamentations 217 (New International Version) says, The LORD has done what he planned he has fulfilled his word, which he decreed eagle-eyed ago. He has overthrown you without pity, he has let the enemy gloat over you, he has exalted the horn of your foes (Book of Lamentations, 2009). The second verse is Lamentations 322-23 (NIV), which says that because of Gods wonderful love no one is consumed because He never fails us because they are always new and faithful (Book of Lamentations, 2009).Last is Lamentations 519-22 (NIV), which says, You, O LORD, reign forever your throne endures from generation to generation. Why do you always forget us? Why do you forsake us so long? Restore us to yourself, O LORD, that we may re deviate renew our days as of old unless you have utterly rejected us and are angry with us beyond measure(Book of Lamentations, 2009). Meaning 1122 The author uses lots of imagery to express the up-to-date state of Jerusalem, which is the city of Zion. Babylon, Egypt, Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre, and Sidon, and Judah was close friends with them (Hughes, 2001).The roads were now deserted as seen in 14. Like Zedekiah, Israels leadership fled from Jerusalem (16 cf. Jer. 3947). The siege conditions in Jerusalem were reflected in 111, when people exchanged their precious treasures for food. The figures of fire (meaning total destruction) and a trap (that is, captivity) describe the calamities that befell Jerusalem (113) (Hughes, 2001). In the Hebrew, the word Allies (119) is easily translated to lovers as seen in 12. The author of Lamentations prayed for God to bring Babylons belief on the day(121 cf. Jer.5051) (Hughes, 2001). 2122 Zions sorrows came about because of judgment from the Lord. They experienced a famine as mentioned in Lamentations 21112, which happened because of warfare (Hughes, 2001). The false prophets had predicted a return to peace and prosperity (214 cf. Jer. 1413). Jeering and scoffing were ancien t gestures of malicious contentment and contempt (Lam. 215). In ancient times the night was shared out into three four-hour periods (219) (Hughes, 2001). During each of the periods, the writer of Lamentations wanted the people to wake up, so weeping could continue.A judgment that was placed on them due to their noncompliance was cannibalism through starvation of the Judeans, who lived in Jerusalem, which was prophesied in Deuteronomy 2853 (Hughes, 2001). 3166 Many someoneal experiences took place in the livelihood of the authors ministry. Much encouragement was received and consolation through reflecting on Gods faithfulness through the ages (Goldingay, 2003). The writer used hyperbole frequently, which is to exaggerate in fancys to emphasize the important points.For example, unfailing love, when it is translated from the Hebrew, it means stork, and upon breaking it down more so indicates motherly love (Hughes, 2001). 4122 Jeremiah made much reflection on what he saw with his own eyes in the heart of Jerusalem, especially when the Babylonians siege in Jerusalem took place (Goldingay, 2003). Those who once lived in palaces (Lam. 45) were the wealthy. No one helped Sodom (46). After their true character was recognized, the false prophets and wicked priests were condemned as defiled like lepers (415 cf. Lev.134546) (Hughes, 2001). 5122 Jeremiah confessed on behalf of the nation their sins, and then asked the Lord for a complete restoration. One can be fill in confused on 56, when there is a interview to Assyria unless a person understands it was in reference to Babylon. At one time, the Empire inherited Assyria. According to Jewish custom, the signal of 521 is repeated at the conclusion of the book in order to avoid ending on an unpleasant note. But annals has shown that God had certainly not rejected his people (Rom. 1115) (Hughes, 2001). Message Old Testament ApplicationGod made it effloresce back then that the people who lived in the heart of Judah needed to assume and obey Him. This meant that they could not worship other gods, commit adultery, covet, and so forth. These people needed to understand the depth of Gods love for them, but He made them vista judgment, so that they would turn to Him, and this is seen frequently passim the Old Testament. For example, in the book of Judges, God placed them in a cycle. This cycle consisted of a Judge would prophecy about the coming judgment, they would await judgment, and then all would turn back to God through self-abasement of their sin.Throughout Scripture, God never rejected anyone. He demonstrated His love for them in every book that is mentioned in the cannon. No one is perfect, but each day is a learning process to strive to live for Him, and not for the pleasures of this world. The issue back then is that the Judeans lived for what the world had to offer sort of of what God has done for them, and continues to do. He deserves the glory, and not us. A similar ideal is use d today when it shines to Gods wrath, and for all of us to aby of our transgressions. Todays ApplicationThe book of Lamentations applies to our setting today too. One, when people are wicked a society eventually disappears. Two, a person should not ask for a blessing that happened from the past, and continue to live in sin in the midst of it. Three, all countries of the world and churches allow face judgment, if they do not remain faithful. Fourth, the Lord sticks to His Word, and make it come to pass. Fifth, many solutions are possible in the midst of suffering, but ultimately it comes down to a total faith in God (Hughes, 2001). Here are some more ways of looking at the book as well in a contemporary context.In attempting to understand what the book is trying to convey to the audience who reads it, then much can come from studying Lamentations. First, the book can speak to any, including Christians, who feel alone or even abandoned by God. In this respect it is like those psalm which we have called laments. It is good to give honest expression to such feelings and to know the reassurance of Gods grace in the midst of them (Carson, 1994). Lamentations also can help the reader to identify with those around them, who are facing laborious situations.For example, our world faces daily disasters, such as wars and famines, which are constantly brought to our heed through the media on television. For us humans, all of us have the drift to ask, Where is God in the midst of our circumstances? Of course, we can wonder more so, when our brothers and sisters are caught up in the chaos of it all as well, but end up sympathizing with them through identifying their pain. The book of Lamentations enables us to express our grief, not only on our own behalf, but also on behalf of others (Carson, 1994). some other possibility is that an individual requires discipline. Much discipline goes into writing a phenomenal book, which can help in the present. A decision that a p erson makes is in seriousness, so that he or she is disciplined, so that problems, which are sometimes difficult to face are dealt with at the time. God Word can help us by teaching us how to deal with difficult circumstances by allowing us to express our hurts that are at times too deep as well as coaching our mind and heart throughout it too (Carson, 1994). Confession is difficult for anyone, this goes for both worshipper and non-believer.The people of Judah knew that their exile was due to their disobedience to the covenant made by their ancestors with God. We cannot treat all suffering in the same way. Nevertheless, here too we can identify with our ancestors in faith, by simply recognizing that human sinin which each of us has a partis the root cause of the worlds grief (Carson, 1994). When someone questions, this too is an act of confession. God grants both justice and clemency while judging others. His justice does not finally issue only in judgment, but also, and decisivel y, in mercy (Carson, 1994).Even in terrible judgment, God is a God of hope (Lamentations 324-25). No matter how far we have gone from Him, we have the hope that we can return to Him and find Him compassionate and forgiving (1 hind end 19). Our God is a loving God (Lamentations 322), and because of His great love and compassion, He sent His Son so that we would not go in our sins, but can live eternally with Him (John 316). Gods faithfulness (Lamentations 323) and deliverance (Lamentations 326) are attributes that give us great hope and comfort.He is not a disinterested, driving god, but a God who will deliver all those who turn to Him, admit they can do nothing to earn His favor, and call upon the Lords mercy so that we will not be consumed (Lamentations 322) (Book of Lamentations, 2009). How are we to live in our current day and age? We must live with realism, and we must live by faith (Cameron, 1994). A person needs to look deep into themselves as well as circumstances. When an individual looks beyond what is happening in their lives, and then he or she will have faith because of what God has done for them.The church is quite sad, and God is the final judge of it all. For example, How the gold has grown dim, which is seen in Lamentations 41. However, we are disgraced as the church has become secularized, and our inheritance is given to strangers (52). No joy is present in our lives because it has turned into mourning. In our world, which includes the church, we will find it difficult to rejoice (Cameron, 1994). All of us seek answers to lifes questions, particularly from Psalm 137 4, which states (NIV), How shall we sing the Lords song in a foreign land(Cameron, 1994)When a person walks and talks with God, then he or she receives full joy in the Lord. The book of Lamentations may come across sad while reading what happened to the Judeans, but they soon realized that He wanted a relationship with them all along, so they eventually turned back to Him despit e the current judgment that was upon them. In Lamentations 322, which says (NIV),The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end (Cameron, 1994). To describe what it means for steadfastness, this is to indicate that the Lord is faithful with His bear love.He is the same forever. God is wonderful to those who confess and turn to Him for their hope. We can praise God for His faithfulness from the past to the present. All of us are a testimony to His love because there is courage to face the time to come of whatever it is to come. He will supply our every need, and has proven it throughout history, which includes Lamentations. No need to worry because He already knows (Cameron, 1994). References Cameron, C. M. (1994). Lamentations. Retrieved February 21, 2009, from give-and-takestudies. org. uk http//www. biblicalstudies. org. uk/lamentations. php Carson, D.(1994). New Bible Commentary 21st Century Edition. 4th edition. Downers Grove Inter-Varsity Press, 281-289. Goldingay, J. (2003). Old Testament Theology (Volume 1 ed. ). Downers Grove Intervarsity Press, 295-305. Gottwald, N. (1985). The Hebrew Bible A Socio-Literary Introduction. Philadelphia Fortress. Hayes, J. a. (1988). A New Chronology for the Kings of Israel and Judah and Its Implications for Biblical History and Literature. Atlanta John Knox. Hughes, R. B. (2001). Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary. Wheaton Tyndale House Publishers. Keil, C. a. (1956). The Prophecies of Jeremiah.Grand Rapids Eerdmans, . Kraus, H. (1960). Klaelieder (Threni). Neukirchen Neukirchener. Reyburn, W. D. (1992). A Handbook on Lamentations. New York unite Bible Societies. Richards, L. (1991). The Bible Readers Companion. Wheaton Victor Books, 65-68. Rudolph, W. (1962). Das Buch Ruth, Das Hohe Lied, Die Klagelider. Gutersloh Gutersloher Verlaghaus Gerd Mohn. Smith, J. E. (1992). The major Prophets. Joplin College Press, 123-134. The Book of Lamentations. (2009). Retrieved 21 February, 2009, from G otquestions. org http//www. gotquestions. org/Book-of-Lamentations. html