The third book of the Major Prophets; the twenty-fifth book of the Old Testament; the twenty-fifth book of the Bible.
Author: Jeremiah is the traditional author, though the book does not specifically note who wrote it. As with Jeremiah, it may have been written in part with the help of his servant Baruch.
Audience: The original readers and hearers of Lamentations included the survivors of the destruction of Jerusalem. Shocked and saddened at the loss of their capital city, friends, and family members, Lamentations identified with the people’s grief while looking forward to a future hope.
Date: Approximately 586 BC, shortly after the fall of Jerusalem.