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John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Lamentations 3:32

Verse 32 We saw in the last Lecture that the best and the only true remedy for sorrows is, when the faithful are convinced that they are chastised only by the paternal hand of God, and that, the end of all their evils will be blessed. Now this they cannot of themselves assume; but God comes to their aid, and declares that he will not be angry for ever with his children. For this promise extends generally to the whole Church, “For a moment I afflicted thee, in the time of mine indignation, but... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Lamentations 3:33

Verse 33 This is another confirmation of the same truth, that God takes no delight in the evils or miseries of men. It is indeed a strong mode of speaking which the Prophet adopts, but very suitable. God, we know, puts on, as it were, our form or manner, for he cannot be comprehended in his inconceivable glory by human minds. Hence it is that he transfers to himself what properly can only apply to men. God surely never acts unwillingly nor feignedly: how then is that suitable which Jeremiah... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Lamentations 3:34

Verse 34 Many interpreters think that these three verses are connected with the previous doctrine, and show the connection thus, — that God does not see, that is, does not know what it is to pervert the good cause of a man, and to oppress the innocent; and, doubtless, God is said not to know what iniquity is, because he abhors all evil; for what is the nature of God but the perfection of justice? It may then be truly said, that. God knows not what it is to turn man aside in judgment. Others... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Lamentations 3:31-33

Chastisement only for a season. I. THE FACT THAT CHASTISEMENT IS ONLY FOR A SEASON . God does "cast off" and "cause grief." His love does not nullify his wrath. When grieved and disowned by God the soul feels utterly desolate. But the terrible judgment is only for a season. It will end in reconciliation and compassion. This great truth gives an entirely new complexion to our views of life and providence. We see at times the severe side. But we misjudge if we take that as a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Lamentations 3:31-33

Divine benignity. It required great faith on the part of Jeremiah and his countrymen to think and to speak thus of God. It was easy for them to believe in the justice and in the power of God; their own affliction witnessed to these attributes. But it was a triumph of faith for those so afflicted to acknowledge the kindness and compassion of the supreme Ruler. I. IT IS NOT INCOMPATIBLE WITH GOD 'S GOODNESS TO AFFLICT MEN . He "causes grief." His providence appoints... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Lamentations 3:31-33

God's good purposes in causing pain. All this is the language of hope and continues naturally what is said in Lamentations 3:21 and Lamentations 3:24 . The existence of present trouble presses upon the heart, but along with it there is the confident assurance of future deliverance. Observe, then, certain admissions, along with the cheering qualifications which accompany them. I. THE LORD CASTS OFF . There is a discontinuance of the signs of his presence. Enemies get their... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Lamentations 3:34

To crush, etc. With manifest reference to the cruelties of the Babylonian conquerors of the Jews. read more

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