Lamentations is a collection of poems detailing Israel's grief after the exile and destruction of Jerusalem. This destruction was the direct result of Israel's constant rebellion against God despite his persistent warnings through his prophets.

The people of Israel acknowledge their sin and cry out to God for restoration and repentance in these lament poems. These poems were a way for the people to process emotion and confusion at the disorder and chaos surrounding them. Lamentations shows us that communicating our distress to God is an appropriate response to evil in the world.