14 I am become a derision to all my people; their song all the day. 15 He hath sated me with bitterness, he hath made me drunk with wormwood. 16 He hath also broken my teeth with gravel stones, he hath covered me with ashes. 17 And thou hast removed my soul far off from peace: I have forgotten prosperity. 18 And I said, My strength is perished, and my hope in Jehovah.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Lamentations 3:14-18
Commentary on Lamentations 3:1-20
(Read Lamentations 3:1-20)
The prophet relates the more gloomy and discouraging part 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 affliction that was misery itself; for sin makes the cup of affliction a bitter cup. The struggle between unbelief and faith is often very severe. But the weakest believer is wrong, if he thinks that his strength and hope are perished from the Lord.