While describing Jerusalem’s dire situation, and issuing prayers for help, this opening chapter also introduces discussion over a godly response to the calamity. So far, Jerusalem has acknowledged her sin and the reason for her suffering. She has also prayed for relief and pleaded on God’s righteousness as the basis of this relief. It would be the just punishment of her enemies that would bring relief.1 The laments following develop these themes.
1 How lonely sits the city that was full of people! How like a widow has she become, she who was great among the nations! She who was a princess among the provinces has become a slave.