For Christians suffering inexpressible anguish over problems or disasters in life which seem insurmountable and perplexing, the opening word of this inspired book (which also serves as the book’s title in Hebrew) vividly expresses their desperate cry: אֵיכָ֣ה, ‘eykah, “how could it be?” As Dr. Lessing puts it in his introductory remarks, “Life can be hell. Sometimes it crushes our hearts . . . The cries of anguish in
Lamentations help us avoid a one-sided, happiness-only mindset that fails to deal forthrightly with life’s tragedies” (1).
This is now Dr. Lessing’s sixth contribution to the Concordia Commentary series and, as with the other commentaries he has written, Dr. Lessing’s current contribution to the series is scholarly but at the same time very pastoral and practical.
Following his introductory remarks Dr. Lessing provides a thorough summary of the “History of Recent Interpretation,” pointing out that his commentary “interprets Lamentations by means of the regula fidei. That is to say, the three ecumenical Creeds . . . provide the theological framework for the book’s interpretation” (22). His christological emphasis and careful application of law and gospel throughout the commentary is particularly appreciated.
Lessing follows the set pattern for each volume in the commentary series. He first provides a thorough and scholarly exegesis of each verse in each chapter followed by a commentary on the chapter. Readers who are proficient in Hebrew will appreciate Dr. Lessing’s thorough and insightful exegetical studies. His comments on Jeremiah’s theological use of acrostic poetry and his giving the reader to a richer understanding of חסד (grace) and לב (heart) are particularly helpful. Pastors (and laypeople) will also appreciate his pastoral applications of the texts to the confusing and discouraging experiences many Christians face in life. Lessing writes, “Lamentations encourages pastors to point the brokenhearted to Yahweh, who invites people to bring conflicting thoughts and emotions before his throne, to address their
words of hopelessness to him.” He adds, “The prayers in Lamentations inspire us to be honest with God about how we feel when faced with life’s injustices . . . Instead of trying to fix people, Lamentations wants pastors to pay attention with great empathy; to sit with the suffering; and, like Jeremiah, to leave the healing to the Suffering Servant, Jesus our Lord” (34). Lessing includes several helpful excursuses which deal more thoroughly with issues that the book raises such as “Lamentations and Emotions,” “Lamentations and Divine Wrath,” “Lamentations and Surviving Trauma.”
This commentary should prove to be a most comforting and encouraging volume to Christians who must wrestle with the exigencies and tribulations of living in a fallen world and to pastors who are called to minister to these desperate needs that God’s people experience in life.
Steven C. Briel
Pastor Emeritus, St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church and School
Corcoran, Minnesota