Lamentations - Summary

Title:	This book was given the name Lamentations because the book is strictly that, laments over the situation Judah has found itself in.
Author:	The author of Lamentations is never identified.  Consequently, no one truly knows who the author is.  Most Hebrew scholars accept the prophet Jeremiah as the author for two reasons.  First, there is mention in 2 Chronicles 35:25 that the Prophet Jeremiah wrote a lamentation for Josiah.  Jeremiah was an eye witness to the fall and destruction of Jerusalem.  Second, the writing style of Lamentations matches the poetic structure of much of the book of Jeremiah.
Date:	If the book is in fact written by Jeremiah, it is safe to assume the time of it’s writing would be at or after the fall of Jerusalem in 586BC
Main Theme	The primary theme of Lamentations is the call for repentance due to the sin of the people of Jerusalem and Judah.  Lamenting the situation they have put themselves in as a result of their sin.  There is judgement of God's people as a result of their sin and their turning away from being obedient to the precepts God has given them.  Yet inspite of their sin and their judgment due to God's faitfulness, he still plans to restore His people.
Location:	The prophcy / lamentation takes place in Jerusalem of Judah.
History	This Lamentation is based upon the events of Judah and Jerusalem; their disobedience and their punishment as a result.
Major Characters:	None