A lament is a song that was sung after the death of someone. In other texts, a similar theme of mourning is connected to the death of a loved one (Genesis 23:2; Genesis 50:1–4; 2 Samuel 1:17–27) or a nation (Lamentations 1:1 – 4:22).1 In addressing a lament to a nation, Amos sets a pattern which both Jeremiah (Jeremiah 7:29; Jeremiah 9:10) and Ezekiel will follow (Ezekiel 19:1; Ezekiel 26:18; Ezekiel 27:32; Ezekiel 32:2).2 A prophetic lament indicates that destruction is as good as done.3
1 Hear this word that I take up over you in lamentation, O house of Israel: