Channing Crisler uncovers the prevalence of lament in passages throughout the Synoptic gospels that has been largely overlooked and brilliantly elucidates the texts where it occurs. Most importantly, he highlights their christological significance. Jesus not only answers the cries of people in the way that the Lord God answered Israel’s cries, but he also cries out to God in lament showing how he participates in human affliction.
Crisler applies his breadth of knowledge of the Old Testament to gospel texts to make this book an invaluable resource for scholars and students who want to interpret them afresh. But, most importantly, this work is an invaluable resource for the church today. Anne Porter’s poem, “After Psalm 137,” is apt. We are still in Babylon but do not weep for Jerusalem because we feel no need to weep, have forgotten how to weep, and in neglecting to do so, we have forgotten God. This book recaptures the meaning and importance of lament for God’s people.

David E. Garland, George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University