| Former half | Relation | Latter half |
| 1 Lamentation over the ruin of the country (1:1-12) For a people has invaded my land, mighty and without number; His teeth are the teeth of a lion, and his molars those of a lioness. (1:6) | Invasion of foreign country | 7 The glorious future of Judah (4:18-21) Egypt shall be a waste, and Edom a desert waste, Because of violence done to the people of Judah, because they shed innocent blood in their land. (4:19) |
| 2 The day of the LORD is coming (1:13-2:14) Alas, the day! for near is the day of the LORD, and it comes as ruin from the Almighty. (1:15) | The day of the LORD is coming | 6 Judgment in the valley of Jehoshaphat (4:9-17) For near is the day of the LORD in the valley of decision. (4:14) |
| 3 God's response and promise (2:15-27) And you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel; I am the LORD, your God, and there is no other; my people shall nevermore be put to shame (2:27) | Israel the people of the LORD | 5 Vengeance of the LORD (4:1-8) I will assemble all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat, And I will enter into judgment with them there on behalf of my people and my inheritance, Israel; Because they have scattered them among the nations, and divided my land (4:2) |
| Former half | Relation | Latter half |
| 1 Lamentation over the ruin of the country (1:1-12) Hear this, you elders! Pay attention, all you who dwell in the land! Has the like of this happened in your days, or in the days of your fathers? (1:2) | The old man hears / sees | 4 God's spirit poured out (3:1-5) Then afterward I will pour out my spirit upon all mankind. Your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions (3:1) |
| 2 The day of the LORD is coming (1:13-2:14) For gracious and merciful is he, slow to anger, rich in kindness, and relenting in punishment. (2:13) | Pity of the LORD | 3 God's response and promise (2:15-27) Then the LORD was stirred to concern for his land and took pity on his people. (2:18) |
| Former half | Relation | Latter half |
| 4 God's spirit poured out (3:1-5) Then everyone shall be rescued who calls on the name of the LORD; For on Mount Zion there shall be a remnant, as the LORD has said, And in Jerusalem survivors whom the LORD shall call. (3:5) | To dwell in Zion | 7 The glorious future of Judah (4:18-21) The LORD dwells in Zion (4:21) |
| 5 Vengeance of the LORD (4:1-8) I will assemble all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat (4:2) | The Valley of Jehoshaphat | 6 Judgment in the valley of Jehoshaphat (4:9-17) Let the nations bestir themselves and come up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat (4:12) |