John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 9. We gat our bread [with the peril of] our lives , etc.] This seems to refer to the time of the siege when they privately went out of the city to get in some provision, but went in danger of their lives: because of the sword of the wilderness : or, “of the plain” f139 ; because of the, word of the Chaldean army, which lay in the plain about Jerusalem into whose hand there was danger of falling, and of being cut to pieces.
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 בנפשׁנו5315 נביא935 לחמנו3899 מפני6440 חרב2719 המדבר׃4057
