Includes bibliographical references (pages xix-xxxix) and indexes.

Introduction. Making the case for Lamentations -- History of recent interpretation -- This commentary's approach -- Lamentations' historical setting -- Authorship -- The addressees -- Date and place of writing -- Genres in Lamentations -- Poetry in Lamentations -- Acrostic poems -- The voices in Lamentations -- Theodicy -- Lamentations' place in the canon -- The text of Lamentations -- Outline of Lamentations -- Commentary. 1:1-22 Daughter Zion's grief -- 2:1-22 Daughter Zion's destruction -- 3:1-66 The wounded healer -- 4:1-22 Shocking reversals -- 5:1-22 The cry for renewal.

"This scholarly commentary on the biblical book of Lamentations features an original translation, detailed textual notes that analyze the grammar and meaning of the Hebrew text, and exposition of its theological message. The author examines each passage in its original context, its connections with the rest of the Old Testament and with the New Testament, and the history of its interpretation. He explains the book's structure, its genres, and the literary forms of its poetry. He provides pastoral insights for those who are grieving and for counselors who seek to comfort the brokenhearted. He ponders the existence of evil, the problem of suffering, and God's plan of redemption, culminating in the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Excursuses develop themes including the role of emotions, the wrath of God, surviving trauma, and Jesus Christ as the Suffering Servant of Isaiah." -- Provided by publisher.

Primarily in English with some Hebrew words.