Verses 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.
Verses 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.
amentation for the misery of Jerusalem.