Here is one of the bravest and most tender, yet most pathetic figures in all history - a patriot, as well as a prophet. He is known as the "Weeping Prophet". He watched his nation decline and finally fall under God's judgment. During Jeremiah's 40 years of ministry, he never received a hint of gratitude. As one of the most important of the "Major Prophets", Jeremiah is a rich, rewarding study. It is full of surprises, deeply touching episodes, and extremely moving tale. It is also, in many ways, profoundly timely for us today! The Book of Lamentations is also included in this commentary. The Book of Lamentations is a complete book in itself, a five-chapter book that is sort of an appendix to the Book of Jeremiah. The Book of Lamentations is his outpouring, where he essentially mourns for Jerusalem. On the one hand, the poor guy was faithful in his office as a prophet. He told forth what God had told him to tell forth, and Jerusalem was going to be judged for her iniquity. On the other hand, Jeremiah was a patriot. His roots were there, and his emotional commitment to Judah was absolutely uncompromising.
