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Lamentations 3:31

31. For the Lord will not cast off for ever.

31. Quia non respuet (vel, rejiciet) in perpetuum Dominus.

 

It is certain that there will be no patience, except there be hope, as it has already appeared. As, then, patience cherishes hope, so hope is the foundation of patience; and hence consolation is, according to Paul, connected with patience. (Romans 15:4.) And this is the doctrine which the Prophet now handles, -- that the faithful bear the yoke with meek and calm minds, because they believe that God will at length be propitious to them: hence also arises patience; for the faithful are persuaded that all adversities are temporary, and that there will be a happy end, because God will at length be reconciled to them, though he gives them new evidences of his wrath. 1 The rest to-morrow.

PRAYER.

Grant, Almighty God, that as it is expedient for us to be daily chastised by thy hand, we may willingly submit to thee, and not doubt but that thou wilt be faithful, and not prove us with too much rigor, but that thou wilt consider our weakness, so that we may thus calmly bear all thy chastisements, until we shall at length enjoy that perfect blessedness, which is now hid to us under hope, and as it were sealed, until Christ thy Son shall reveal it at his coming. -- Amen.


1 This verse is connected with Lamentations 3:25: "Good is Jehovah to him who waits for him;" and the reason is given here, "For not reject perpetually (or, for ever)will the Lord." "For," as assigning a reason, is here repeated three times, in this verse and in the two following verses; and they seem all to be reasons given for the truth contained in Lamentations 3:25,

 

31. For not reject perpetually
Will the Lord:

32. For though he afflicts, yet he will shew compassion
According to the multitude of his mercies:

33. For he does not depress from his heart,
Nor afflict the children of men.

All these particulars explain and elucidate the truth, that God is good. "From his heart," does not mean "willingly," but at his will, that is, arbitrarily, without reason, but when constrained by man's wickedness. -- Ed.

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