Written by Jeremiah after the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, Lamentations expresses deep sorrow and mourning over the loss of the Israelite's freedom due to their blatant disobedience and rejection of God. This book contains tragic yet beautiful poetry that grieves the needless violence and death which accompanied God's judgment after His warnings were neglected. Although it does not inspire hope as strongly as the other prophetic books, Lamentations is a harsh but necessary reminder of the need for forgiveness after sin.
