Introduction
A.M. 3416. B.C. 588.
In this chapter the prophet seems to have had it in view to instruct his countrymen in the lesson of conducting themselves properly under adversity. To this end,
(1,) He sets himself forth as an example of the most severe and trying afflictions, Lamentations 3:1-20 .
(2,) He points out the inexhaustible mercies of God as the never-failing source of his consolation and hope, Lamentations 3:21-24 .
(3,) He exhorts others to patience and quiet resignation under the like circumstances, showing that God is ever gracious to those that wait on him; that he is prone to pardon and pity, and takes no delight in afflicting mankind; but turns away with disgust from all acts of oppression and malignant cruelty, Lamentations 3:25-36 .
(4,) He asserts the divine supremacy in the dispensations of good and evil, and argues that no man has a right to complain when he is punished according to his deserts. He therefore recommends it to his fellow-sufferers, to examine themselves, and to turn to God with contrite hearts, sincerely deploring the sinfulness of their conduct, which had provoked the divine justice to treat them with such extraordinary severity, Lamentations 3:37-47 .
(5,) He professes himself to be deeply affected with the calamities of his country, Lamentations 3:48-54 . But
(6,) calling to mind the desperate circumstances from which he had heretofore been rescued by the divine aid, he declareth his hope, that the same good Providence would frustrate the malice of his present enemies, and turn the scornful reproach they had cast upon him to their own confusion, Lamentations 3:55-66 . The construction of this chapter, as has been intimated in the general argument, differs from that of the two preceding. It consists indeed of twenty-two stanzas, according to the number of letters in the Hebrew alphabet: but every stanza is divided into three parts, or verses, each of which begins with the same Hebrew letter; the first three verses with Aleph, the next three with Beth, &c. And in one instance the order of the letters varies from that which is observed in the rest of the chapter.
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