John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 1. Remember, O Lord, what is come upon us , etc.] This chapter is called, in some Greek copies, and in the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Arabic versions, “the prayer of Jeremiah”. Cocceius interprets the whole of the state of the Christian church after the last destruction of Jerusalem; and of what happened to the disciples of Christ in the first times of the Gospel; and of what Christians have endured under antichrist down to the present times: but it is best to understand it of the Jews in Babylon; representing their sorrowful case, as represented by the prophet; entreating that the Lord would remember the affliction they were under, and deliver them out of it, that which he had determined should come upon them. So the Targum, “remember, O Lord, what was decreed should be unto us;” and what he had long threatened should come upon them; and which they had reason to fear would come, though they put away the evil day far from them; but now it was come, and it lay heavy upon them; and therefore they desire it might be taken off: consider, and behold our reproach : cast upon them by their enemies; and the rather the Lord is entreated to look upon and consider that, since his name was concerned in it, and it was for his sake, and because of the true religion they professed; also the disgrace they were in, being carried into a foreign country for their sins; and so were in contempt by all the nations around.
Matthew Henry Commentary
- The faithful lament their calamities, and hope in God's mercies.
Lam. 3:1-20 The prophet relates the more gloomy and discouraging par of his experience, and how he found support and relief. In the time of his trial the Lord had become terrible to him. It was an afflictio that was misery itself; for sin makes the cup of affliction a bitte cup. The struggle between unbelief and faith is often very severe. But the weakest believer is wrong, if he thinks that his strength and hop are perished from the Lord.
Lam. 3:21-36 Having stated his distress and temptation, the prophe shows how he was raised above it. Bad as things are, it is owing to the mercy of God that they are not worse. We should observe what makes for us, as well as what is against us. God's compassions fail not; of thi we have fresh instances every morning. Portions on earth are perishin things, but God is a portion for ever. It is our duty, and will be ou comfort and satisfaction, to hope and quietly to wait for the salvatio of the Lord. Afflictions do and will work very much for good: many have found it good to bear this yoke in their youth; it has made many humbl and serious, and has weaned them from the world, who otherwise woul have been proud and unruly. If tribulation work patience, that patienc will work experience, and that experience a hope that makes no ashamed. Due thoughts of the evil of sin, and of our own sinfulness will convince us that it is of the Lord's mercies we are not consumed If we cannot say with unwavering voice, The Lord is my portion; may we not say, I desire to have Him for my portion and salvation, and in his word do I hope? Happy shall we be, if we learn to receive affliction a laid upon us by the hand of God.
Lam. 3:37-41 While there is life there is hope; and instead of complaining that things are bad, we should encourage ourselves with the hope they will be better. We are sinful men, and what we complain of is far less than our sins deserve. We should complain to God, and no of him. We are apt, in times of calamity, to reflect on other people' ways, and blame them; but our duty is to search and try our own ways that we may turn from evil to God. Our hearts must go with our prayers If inward impressions do not answer to outward expressions, we moc God, and deceive ourselves.
Lam. 3:42-54 The more the prophet looked on the desolations, the mor he was grieved. Here is one word of comfort. While they continue weeping, they continued waiting; and neither did nor would expec relief and succour from any but the Lord.
Lam. 3:55-66 Faith comes off conqueror, for in these verses the prophe concludes with some comfort. Prayer is the breath of the new man drawing in the air of mercy in petitions, and returning it in praises it proves and maintains the spiritual life. He silenced their fears and quieted their spirits. Thou saidst, Fear not. This was the languag of God's grace, by the witness of his Spirit with their spirits. An what are all our sorrows, compared with those of the Redeemer? He wil deliver his people from every trouble, and revive his church from ever persecution. He will save believers with everlasting salvation, whil his enemies perish with everlasting destruction _________________________________________________
Original Hebrew זכר2142 יהוה3068 מה4100 היה1961 לנו הביט5027 וראה7200 את853 חרפתנו׃2781
