Lamentations 3:27-31

The Pulpit Commentary - Lamentations 3:27

The discipline of youth. Remember how early Jeremiah was called to prophesy. He says at the beginning, "Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child" ( Jeremiah 1:6 ). He had to bear the yoke in his youth, and doubtless this did much to fit him for a useful and well controlled life afterwards. The comparison, of course, is plain. An ox might be put under the yoke when quite young, and then, though the restraint would be irksome for a while, at last the sense of restraint would... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Lamentations 3:28

Because he hath borne it; rather, when he (viz. God) hath laid it. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Lamentations 3:28-30

He sitteth alone, etc.; rather, Let him sit alone … let him keep silence ( Lamentations 3:28 )… let him put ( Lamentations 3:29 )… let him give … let him be filled ( Lamentations 3:30 ). The connection is—since it is good for a man to be afflicted, let him sit still, when trouble is sent, and resign himself to bear it. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Lamentations 3:29

He putteth his mouth, etc. An Oriental manner of expressing submission (comp. Micah 7:17 ; Psalms 72:9 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Lamentations 3:30

He giveth his cheek. Notice the striking affinity (which is hardly accidental) to Job 16:10 ; Isaiah 1:6 . The ideal of the righteous man, according to these kindred books, contains, as one of its most prominent features, the patient endurance of affliction; and so too does the same ideal, received and amplified by the greatest "Servant of Jehovah" ( Matthew 5:39 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Lamentations 3:30

The cheek to the smiter. Probably these verses should be translated by imperatives. The prophet, profiting by his own experience and by that of his country. men, admonishes all to meekness and submission. In resistance is neither peace nor deliverance; in patient subjection and waiting is true wisdom, for such is the way to contentment and to final salvation. I. SUCH MEEKNESS IS CONTRARY TO NATURAL INCLINATION , AND IS INDICATIVE OF A CHASTENED SPIRIT . He who... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Lamentations 3:31-33

Two grounds of comfort: 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

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