NOTES for Lam 2:1-22
The prophet continues his funeral lament over the ruins of Jerusalem. There is nothing before us that could bring comfort or peace. Death and suffering are all around, ruins and ashes where only recently there stood a large, bustling and living city and a magnificent Temple. No one and nothing escaped retribution for sin and apostasy—kings, priests, prophets, elders and children all perish at the hands of enemies. Zion is enslaved and humiliated; the false promises of false prophets did not help her. They did not call for righteousness and faithfulness before God, but seduced the people with the possibility of turning away from the One and toward pagan idols. And now, looking upon the bloody ashes, the prophet calls for lamentation and repentance.