b)
They may convey information but they are
subordinate to the main message.
4.
Chiasms as used in the Book of Lamentations have what is called a
"climactic centrality" because they focus on their center or the innermost layer that contains the "meat" of the sandwich. In the Book of Lamentations, this “climactic centrality” contains the meat of the book.
The meat of the book is chapter 3 and is supported by the other four chapters with chapter 5 being a most blessed ending of hope offered as a response to the suffering.
a.
Thus chapters 1 and 5 focus on the people. These are A and A.
b.
Chapters 2 and 4 focus the Lord. These are B and B.
c.
Chapter 3 provides the pivot for the book, pointing to Jeremiah's response in the midst of affliction. This is C or the central important part that all the other parts develop.
B.
In many ways chapter 5 breaks the mold established in the other chapters and offers a response to the suffering.
1.
It is no accident that the chapter begins and ends as a prayer (“Remember, O Lord,” 5:1; “Restore us to Yourself, O Lord,” v. 21).
2.
In chapter 5 Jeremiah presented the response that the remnant needed to make to God.
3.
Chapter 5 thus forms a fitting ending to the book. God's chastisement was intended to lead to repentance"
III.
Outline for the Book of Lamentation with some notes concerning the Chiastic structure of the Book. I feel it is important to review some things concerning the Chiastic structure of the Book.
A.
The term Chiastic is explained in Section II of this Lesson.
B.
The following outline demonstrates the structure of a Chiastic poem.
C.
The A B C B A outline as follows is correct. The letters A B C B A are used in Section V beginning on page 10 of this lesson. You will see this as: I A. II B.
III C. IV B. and V A. Using this outlining technique is an acceptable way to indicate that the Chiastic structure of the Book is in use. Learn the Chiastic information well and your learning of the Book of Lamentations will be greatly enhanced.