Jeremiah & Lamentations

BY She Reads Truth

This Is the Old Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book or two of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we’ll continue looking at the genres of Major and Minor Prophets. 

What Is Jeremiah? This book Chronicles God’s prophecies to Judah. The prophet Jeremiah prophecies concerning both Judah’s future captivity captivity in Babylon and the promise of a new covenant. 

What Is Lamentations? The book of Lamentations records Jeremiah’s expressions of grief, or laments, over the destruction of Jerusalem and Judah’s captivity in Babylon. It also includes an extended expression of hope in God’s faithful love.

How Jeremiah & Lamentations Fit Into the Story: 
The new covenant passage in Jeremiah 31:31–34 is the longest Old Testament text quoted in the New Testament (Hb 8:8–12). This passage links God’s ancient promises to Eve (Gn 3:15), Abraham (Gn 12:1–3), and David (2Sm 7:16–19) with New Testament assurances that God in Christ grants believers new hearts, salvation, and fellowship with Him.

Lamentations invites us to meet God in the midst of our suffering and teaches us the language of prayer. Instead of offering a set of techniques, easy answers, or inspiring slogans for facing pain and grief, the book gives voice to our pain through lament, reorients our focus to the faithfulness of God, and affirms that He is able to sustain us.

Reflection Questions: 
1. How do the promises of the new covenant in Jeremiah make space for lament in your relationship with God? 
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?

Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.