‏ Lamentations 2

* Lamentation for the misery of Jerusalem.

1-9 A sad representation is here made of the state of God's

church, of Jacob and Israel; but the notice seems mostly to

refer to the hand of the Lord in their calamities. Yet God is

not an enemy to his people, when he is angry with them and

corrects them. And gates and bars stand in no stead when God

withdraws his protection. It is just with God to cast down those

by judgments, who debase themselves by sin; and to deprive those

of the benefit and comfort of sabbaths and ordinances, who have

not duly valued nor observed them. What should they do with

Bibles, who make no improvement of them? Those who misuse God's

prophets, justly lose them. It becomes necessary, though

painful, to turn the thoughts of the afflicted to the hand of

God lifted up against them, and to their sins as the source of

their miseries. 10-22 Causes for lamentation are described. Multitudes perished

by famine. Even little children were slain by their mother's

hands, and eaten, according to the threatening, #De 28:53|.

Multitudes fell by the sword. Their false prophets deceived

them. And their neighbours laughed at them. It is a great sin to

jest at others' miseries, and adds much affliction to the

afflicted. Their enemies triumphed over them. The enemies of the

church are apt to take its shocks for its ruins; but they will

find themselves deceived. Calls to lamentation are given; and

comforts for the cure of these lamentations are sought. Prayer

is a salve for every sore, even the sorest; a remedy for every

malady, even the most grievous. Our business in prayer is to

refer our case to the Lord, and leave it with him. His will be

done. Let us fear God, and walk humbly before him, and take heed

lest we fall.