The distinctive role of Zion in the book not only as the representative of the congregation but also as a model for them to follow recalls the Israelite tradition of professional women mourners who took the lead on behalf of the bereaved, encouraging them to break into tears (2 Chron. 35:25; Jer. 9:17–18, 20), and suggests the participation of one of their number. If so, the function of such a female singer is here strikingly developed from mourning to engaging in prayers of lament.