Reading for October 7th

 Read Lamentations 1.1-11a. In 1.1-11a: A poet laments Jerusalem. As in many prophetic books (Hosea, Jeremiah, Ezekiel) Jerusalem is personified as a woman. In a striking series of contrasts, she who was great is now destitute like a widow; once a princess, she is now a vassal, the underling in a political relationship. In verse 2: Political allies are called Jerusalem's lover's ( Hos 2.7). In verse 3: Exile, the conquering strategy of the neo-Babylonian empire, involved moving large groups of people out of their homelands into new locations. In verse 4: Public activities (festivals and gates, where people gathered) have ceased. Priests and young girls are among the many categories of people that the book shows as suffering. In verse 5; The book repeatedly claims that the Lord has made her suffer. In verses 8-10: Nakedness may have a sexual connotation (Lev 18.6). Uncleanness refers to menstruation (Lev 15.16-24). These conditions intensify her shame, considered by the author to be as significant as physical suffering. The immediate mention of precious things and the invasion of her sanctuary, while on the surface referring to the Temple, may have sexual connotations. Comments or Questions..