One of the most beautiful moments in Lamentations is when the accusing reporter of the first song breaks down in tears in the second.
There’s been a complete turnaround in his attitude toward Daughter Zion. Instead of continuing to comment on her suffering from a distance, he now expresses a desire to draw close and comfort her. He just doesn’t know how to.
What can I say for you?
With what can I compare you, Daughter Jerusalem?
To what can I liken you,
that I may comfort you, Virgin Daughter Zion?
Your wound is as deep as the sea.
Who can heal you?
— Lamentations 2:13 NIV
This is the first time the reporter has spoken directly to Daughter Zion, and he asks four questions. These four questions highlight our own natural inclinations when we attempt to comfort another. If we’re going to learn how to comfort well, we’ll have to avoid the pitfalls each of these questions represents.
Four questions
Let's look at them briefly in turn.
