A Study Guide For The Book Of Lamentations An Expose’ On Hope
Much More Than A Poignant Story
Lesson 3
General Background Material For Lamentations Introduction:
I.
THE AUTHOR OF THE BOOK IS JEREMIAH THE PROPHET.
A.
Internal Evidence.
1.
Jeremiah and Lamentations both convey a similar tone and employ similar vocabulary.
2.
The main basis for rejecting Jeremiah as the author of the book is style.
a.
Some would argue that since its poetic style is different than that of Jeremiah that it should be assigned to “an unknown eyewitness of the fall of Jerusalem because the text itself records nothing of authorship.” An important question is “why could Jeremiah not be capable or able to write in a poetic style?
b.
Arguments which affirm that Jeremiah and Lamentations do not share a similar view point are not built upon sound exegesis. The truth is that both books share similar view points regarding judgment upon sin and restitution because of hope and repentance.
B.
External Evidence.
1.
The Greek Septuagint identified with the following signature (LXX) ascribes the book to the prophet Jeremiah. Listed here is that verification of Jeremiah being the author, “QRHNOI IEREMIOU.”
2.
Jewish tradition ascribed the book of Lamentations to the prophet Jeremiah. There is no doubt apparent in this sector.
3.
The Latin Vulgate ascribed the book to Jeremiah, Id est Lamentationes Jeremiae Prophetae.