Preaching on Lament in the Bible

Lament in the Bible

The profound human experience of lament, a deeply felt expression of sorrow and grief. Today, we explore the various forms of lament found within the Bible, recognizing its reality and finding comfort in God's presence amidst our own times of mourning.

1. Lamenting the Loss of a Loved One (Genesis 23:2)

“And Sarah died in Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan. And Abraham came to mourn for Sarah and to weep for her.” The death of a loved one brings deep pain and lamentation. Abraham’s mourning for Sarah reminds us that grief is a natural part of the human experience. Yet, even in our sorrow, God is our comfort and our strength.

2. Deep Lamenting the Loss of a Child (Genesis 37:35)

“And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted, and said, Surely I will go down to the grave unto my son mourning. So his father wept for him.” Jacob’s profound grief for Joseph, whom he believed to be dead, reveals the depth of a parent’s love and the agony of loss. While grief may seem unbearable, God’s presence brings restoration and healing.

3. The Lament of a Father Who Does Not Want to Lose His Son (Genesis 42:38)

“But he said, ‘My son will not go down with you, because his brother is dead and he is left alone. If harm happens to him on the way that you go, you will bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave.’” The fear of losing a loved one can cause immense suffering. Jacob’s fear for Benjamin reflects the anxieties we all face. We must trust in God, surrendering our concerns to His loving care.

4. The Collective Lament of a People (Judges 21:2)

“Then the people came to Bethel, and stayed there before God until evening. Then they lifted up their voices and wept with a great wailing.” The people of Israel mourned the near-extinction of their tribe, a collective lament for a shared loss. Grief can affect entire communities, binding them together in sorrow.

5. The Lament of a Grief-Suffering Man/Woman (Ruth 1:20)

“But she said to them, ‘Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt bitterly with me.’” Naomi’s lament, expressed in her desire to be called Mara, reflects the bitterness of her losses. Yet, God can turn our sorrow into joy, restoring what was lost.

6. The Lament of a Father Who Loses a Son in War (2 Samuel 18:33)

“Then the king was troubled, and went up to the chamber above the gate and wept, and went up and said, ‘My son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would that I had died for you, O Absalom, my son, my son!’” David’s deep mourning for Absalom reveals the enduring love of a father, even in the face of betrayal. Even when we make mistakes, a parent’s love remains unshakable.

7. Lamenting Before God in the Midst of Loss (Job 1:20)

“Then Job arose, tore his robe, shaved his head, and fell to the ground and worshiped.” Job’s response to his immense losses was to lament, but also to worship. Even in our deepest grief, we must acknowledge God’s sovereignty and find solace in His presence.

8. A Mother’s Lament for Her Son (Jeremiah 31:15)

“Thus says the Lord: A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping; Rachel weeping for her children, and refused to be comforted, because they are no more.” The pain of losing a child is immeasurable. Yet, God offers comfort and hope to those who mourn, promising restoration and healing.

9. Jesus' Lament in the Face of Human Pain (John 11:33)

“When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, he was deeply troubled in spirit and troubled.” Jesus, our Savior, is moved by our pain. He weeps with us, sharing in our sorrow and offering comfort.

10. Lament at the Tomb and the Hope of the Resurrection (John 20:11, Acts 9:39)

“Now Mary was outside at the tomb weeping. As she wept, she stooped down to the tomb.” “Then Peter got up and went with them. When he arrived, they brought him into the upper room. And all the widows stood around him, weeping and showing the coats and clothes that Dorcas had made while she was with them.” The grief over loss can be overwhelming, but Christian hope reminds us that death is not the end. God has the power to restore and resurrect, offering eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

Let us acknowledge the reality of lament, but let us also cling to the hope that God is our comfort, our strength, and our redeemer. In Him, we find solace, healing, and the promise of eternal life. Amen.