Lamentations 1 - 2

Jeremiah the prophet offers up poetic displays of the ruin to which Jerusalem and Judah has been subjected.  The city is like an abandoned woman; one who has been courted and wooed by many men but now left alone, uncared for and detestable.  Her sorrow attracts no sympathy, her tears bring no comfort, her cries for help go unanswered, and her prayers are seemingly unheard.

God has displayed His displeasure with Judah by bringing her to this state of destruction.  His hand of protection has been removed and total devastation has been the result.  His voice had been ignored for so long by the people that now He will keep silent.  Judah will not be consoled.  Instead, other nations will observe God's dealings and ask "How could this be they city which God favored?"  Even this will serve to display God's serious dealings with sin and rebellion.  He had promised to punish the people for their sin, and His word has come to pass.