Chapter 1: The AFFLICTION of Jerusalem

“There is none to comfort her.”

1-11: The lament of the city.
12-15: God’s fierce anger
16-17: “For these I weep”
18-19: “The LORD is righteous”
20-22: Jerusalem’s PRAYER

Chapter 2: The Source of the AFFLICTION

“Yahweh hath done this.”

1- 9: Just judgments of the Lord
10-14: Tears of affliction
15-17: Jerusalem’s enemies rejoice
18-22: Jerusalem’s PRAYER

Chapter 3: Renewed Hope in AFFLICTION

“Wherefore doth a living man complain?”

1-18: Darkness, affliction, derision
19-21: The desired effect: a remnant saved
22-30: The Lord’s mercies, service and separation
31-33: The central theme: Chastening is necessary and helpful
34-36: “The LORD approveth not”
37-41: A living man should not complain
42-66: PRAYER—
42-54: We transgressed
55-66: But judge my cause

Chapter 4: The Reason For AFFLICTION

“For the sins of her prophets…”

1-12: Contrast of sons of Zion: fine gold to earthen pitchers
13-16: Sins of the leaders
17-20: Vain hopes
21-22: The cup passes to Edom

Chapter 5: PRAYER for Deliverance From AFFLICTION

“Behold our reproach.”

1-15: “See our reproach”–disgrace
16-18: “The crown is fallen”
19-22: The everlasting throne: a hope of renewal