31 I 'am' the man 'who' hath seen affliction By the rod of His wrath. 2 Me He hath led, and causeth to go 'in' darkness, and without light. 3 Surely against me He turneth back, He turneth His hand all the day. 4 He hath worn out my flesh and my skin. He hath broken my bones. 5 He hath built up against me, And setteth round poverty and weariness. 6 In dark places He hath caused me to dwell, As the dead of old. 7 He hath hedged me about, and I go not out, He hath made heavy my fetter. 8 Also when I call and cry out, He hath shut out my prayer. 9 He hath hedged my ways with hewn work, My paths He hath made crooked. 10 A bear lying in wait He 'is' to me, A lion in secret hiding-places. 11 My ways He is turning aside, and He pulleth me in pieces, He hath made me a desolation. 12 He hath trodden His bow, And setteth me up as a mark for an arrow. 13 He hath caused to enter into my reins The sons of His quiver. 14 I have been a derision to all my people, Their song all the day. 15 He hath filled me with bitter things, He hath filled me 'with' wormwood. 16 And He breaketh with gravel my teeth, He hath covered me with ashes. 17 And Thou castest off from peace my soul, I have forgotten prosperity. 18 And I say, Perished hath my strength and my hope from Jehovah. 19 Remember my affliction and my mourning, Wormwood and gall! 20 Remember well, and bow down doth my soul in me.
21 This I turn to my heart—therefore I hope. 22 The kindnesses of Jehovah! For we have not been consumed, For not ended have His mercies. 23 New every morning, abundant 'is' thy faithfulness. 24 My portion 'is' Jehovah, hath my soul said, Therefore I hope for Him.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Lamentations 3:1-24
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.
Commentary on Lamentations 3:21-36
(Read Lamentations 3:21-36)
Having stated his distress and temptation, the prophet 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 this we have fresh instances every morning. Portions on earth are perishing things, but God is a portion for ever. It is our duty, and will be our comfort and satisfaction, to hope and quietly to wait for the salvation 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 humble and serious, and has weaned them from the world, who otherwise would have been proud and unruly. If tribulation work patience, that patience will work experience, and that experience a hope that makes not 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 as laid upon us by the hand of God.