37 Who can speak and have it happen if the Lord has not decreed it?
37 Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?
37 Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has commanded it?
37 Who do you think "spoke and it happened"? It's the Master who gives such orders.
37 Who is he who speaks and it comes to pass, When the Lord has not commanded it?
37 Who can command things to happen without the Lord's permission?
22 unless you have utterly rejected us and are angry with us beyond measure.
22 But thou hast utterly rejected us; thou art very wroth against us.
22 unless you have utterly rejected us, and you remain exceedingly angry with us.
22 As it is, you've cruelly disowned us. You've been so very angry with us."
22 Unless You have utterly rejected us, And are very angry with us!
22 Or have you utterly rejected us? Are you angry with us still?
(Read Lamentations 5:17-22)
The people of God express deep concern for the ruins of the temple, more than for any other of their calamities. But whatever changes there are on earth, God is still the same, and remains for ever wise and holy, just and good; with Him there is no variableness nor shadow of turning. They earnestly pray to God for mercy and grace; Turn us to thee, O Lord. God never leaves any till they first leave him; if he turns them to him in a way of duty, no doubt he will quickly return to them in a way of mercy. If God by his grace renew our hearts, he will by his favour renew our days. Troubles may cause our hearts to be faint, and our eyes to be dim, but the way to the mercy-seat of our reconciled God is open. Let us, in all our trials, put our whole trust and confidence in his mercy; let us confess our sins, and pour out our hearts before him. Let us watch against repinings and despondency; for we surely know, that it shall be well in the end with all that trust in, fear, love, and serve the Lord. Are not the Lord's judgments in the earth the same as in Jeremiah's days? Let Zion then be remembered by us in our prayers, and her welfare be sought above every earthly joy. Spare, Lord, spare thy people, and give not thine heritage to reproach, for the heathen to rule over them.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Lamentations 3:37
Commentary on Lamentations 3:37-41
(Read Lamentations 3:37-41)
While there is life there is hope; and instead of complaining that things are bad, we should encourage ourselves with the hope they will be better. We are sinful men, and what we complain of, is far less than our sins deserve. We should complain to God, and not of him. We are apt, in times of calamity, to reflect on other people's ways, and blame them; but our duty is to search and try our own ways, that we may turn from evil to God. Our hearts must go with our prayers. If inward impressions do not answer to outward expressions, we mock God, and deceive ourselves.