a.
Chapter 4 is not like chapters 1 and 2 with their 22 triplet verses or like chapter 3 with its’ 66 single verses. Chapter 4 contains 22
doublets.
b.
The first 16 verses is another recapping of the last days in Jerusalem.
c.
The last verses contain words of national confession and national hope.
1)
The emotional energy that drove chapter 3 is dissipating.
2)
The tears of chapter are beginning to dry out.
2.
Chapter four is unlike the first three chapters.
a.
The first chapter show a man that is on the outside looking in.
b.
The second and third chapters show a man that is the man alone in his grieving.
c.
But this fourth chapter contains the confession of the nation and does not speak of the man alone.
d.
Chapter four is a look at the need for communal response to their need for and expected result of national confession.
E.
Chapter 5 - National Prayer.
1.
Lamentations’ last chapter is a national appeal.
2.
Like the fourth chapter, it is exclusively communal.
a.
It is a chapter of humility.
b.
The nation asks the Lord to turn His face to them and see their condition, and then they ask for restoration.
c.
To this day, the last verses represent the plea of the children of Israel in exile. In these last verses can be seen some wonderful and important truths.
1)
We can see both hope and impatience.
a)
Hope is a hallmark of the sovereignty of God.