Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Lamentations Ch.4 / 5 Ch.s
LA:4
* The deplorable state of the nation is contrasted with its
ancient prosperity.
#1-12 What a change is here! Sin tarnishes the beauty of the
most exalted powers and the most excellent gifts; but that gold,
tried in the fire, which Christ bestows, never will be taken
from us; its outward appearance may be dimmed, but its real
value can never be changed. The horrors of the siege and
destruction of Jerusalem are again described. Beholding the sad
consequences of sin in the church of old, let us seriously
consider to what the same causes may justly bring down the
church now. But, Lord, though we have gone from thee in
rebellion, yet turn to us, and turn our hearts to thee, that we
may fear thy name. Come to us, bless us with awakening,
converting, renewing, confirming grace.
#13-20 Nothing ripens a people more for ruin, nor fills the
measure faster, than the sins of priests and prophets. The king
himself cannot escape, for Divine vengeance pursues him. Our
anointed King alone is the life of our souls; we may safely live
under his shadow, and rejoice in Him in the midst of our
enemies, for He is the true God and eternal life.
#21,22 Here it is foretold that an end should be put to Zion's
troubles. Not the fulness of punishment deserved, but of what
God has determined to inflict. An end shall be put to Edom's
triumphs. All the troubles of the church and of the believer
will soon be accomplished. And the doom of their enemies
approaches. The Lord will bring their sins to light, and they
shall lie down in eternal sorrow. Edom here represents all the
enemies of the church. And the corruption, and sin of Israel,
which the prophet has proved to be universal, justifies the
judgments of the Lord. It shows the need of that grace in Christ
Jesus, which the sin and corruption of all mankind make so
necessary.