Resumo

MURIWO, Golden. Hope from a Linear Reading of Lamentations. Scriptura [online]. 2025, vol.124, n.1, pp.1-20. ISSN 2305-445X.  https://doi.org/10.7833/124-1-2172.

This article investigates whether a linear reading of the hook of Lamentations is able to produce the same results as a concentric reading. A number of scholars have argued that a concentric reading of the hook of Lamentations results in a chiastic structure that places Lamentations 3 at the centre. The central part is anchored on the words of hope uttered by the —”•. Besides the concentric reading of the text, one may opt for a linear reading of the text. It is observed in this article that if one opts for a linear reading, three of the five laments end with an imprecation. Two of the five laments end with a prayer. Such a conclusion of the laments shows a hopeful ending rather than a doubtful ending. It is therefore argued that the hopeful tone from a concentric reading can still be found from a linear reading of the text of Lamentations.

Palavras-chave : Linear; Concentric; Imprecation; Deuteronomistic; Hope.

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