Lamentations 3:39
Verse
Context
Sermons
Thomas BrooksThomas BrooksThomas Brooks
Peter HammondSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Wherefore doth a living man complain - He who has his life still lent to him has small cause of complaint. How great soever his affliction may be, he is still alive; therefore, he may seek and find mercy unto eternal life. Of this, death would deprive him; therefore let not a living man complain.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
living--and so having a time yet given him by God for repentance. If sin were punished as it deserves, life itself would be forfeited by the sinner. "Complaining" (murmuring) ill becomes him who enjoys such a favor as life (Pro 19:3). for the punishment of his sins--Instead of blaming God for his sufferings, he ought to recognize in them God's righteousness and the just rewards of his own sin.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Thou hast covered with anger,.... Either himself; not as a tender father, that cannot bear to see the affliction of a child; this does not suit with anger; but rather as one greatly displeased, in whose face anger appears, being covered with it; or who covers his face with it, that he may not be seen, withdrawing his gracious presence; or hast put anger as a wall between thee and us, as Jarchi: so that there was no coming nigh to him: or else it means covering his people with it; so the Targum, "thou hast covered "us" with anger;'' denoting the largeness and abundance of afflictions upon them; they were as it were covered with them, as tokens of the divine displeasure; one wave and billow after another passing over them. Sanctius thinks the allusion is to the covering of the faces of condemned malefactors, as a token of their being guilty: and persecuted us; the Targum adds, in captivity; that is, pursued and followed us with fresh instances of anger and resentment; to have men to be persecutors is bad, but to have God to be a persecutor is dreadful: thou hast slain, thou hast not pitied; had suffered them to be stain by the sword of the enemy, and had shown no compassion to them; See Gill on Lam 2:21; here, and in some following verses, the prophet, or the people he represents, are got to complaining again; though before he had checked himself for it; so hard it is under afflictions to put in practice what should be done by ourselves and others.
Lamentations 3:39
God’s Justice
38Do not both adversity and good come from the mouth of the Most High? 39Why should any mortal man complain, in view of his sins?
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Sharpest Dealings of God With You
By Thomas Brooks0Suffering and TrialsGod's Mercy1KI 12:14PSA 30:5PSA 103:10LAM 3:39ROM 3:232CO 12:9EPH 2:4HEB 12:6JAS 1:21PE 5:10Thomas Brooks emphasizes the importance of recognizing our own sins and the mercy of God in the face of our trials. He argues that any suffering we endure is less than what we truly deserve, and that we should remain silent and humble under God's dealings with us. Brooks encourages believers to reflect on their demerits, understanding that even the smallest mercy is a gift from God, and that our afflictions are reminders of His grace. Ultimately, he calls for a posture of gratitude and acceptance, recognizing that our hardships are not punishment but rather opportunities for growth and reflection.
He Who Has Deserved a Hanging
By Thomas Brooks0Divine JusticeMercy and DisciplinePSA 94:12PRO 3:11LAM 3:39ROM 6:23HEB 12:6Thomas Brooks emphasizes the concept of divine justice, arguing that those who have sinned and deserve punishment should not complain when they face consequences. He uses the analogy of a person deserving a hanging who should not blame the judge for cruelty if they only receive a lesser punishment. Similarly, he points out that we, who deserve condemnation, should not accuse God of harshness when we experience discipline instead of ultimate judgment. This perspective encourages humility and gratitude for God's mercy in our lives.
Why Should Any Living Man Complain
By Thomas Brooks0GraceSufferingLAM 3:39ROM 3:23EPH 2:8Thomas Brooks emphasizes that it is unreasonable for any living man to complain when facing punishment for his sins, as all humans deserve far worse than their current sufferings. He argues that, given our sinful nature and the grace we receive from God, we should instead marvel at His mercy and kindness. Brooks reminds us that even the smallest suffering is a reminder of God's grace, and we should focus on gratitude rather than complaint. He urges listeners to recognize the severity of their sins and the greatness of God's forgiveness, encouraging a heart of admiration for divine grace.
Bible Survey - Lamentations
By Peter Hammond0ISA 2:6ISA 5:20JER 23:10LAM 1:5LAM 3:22LAM 3:39Peter Hammond preaches on the Book of Lamentations, emphasizing the consequences of immorality, idolatry, and injustice faced by Jerusalem due to their disobedience to God. The prophet Jeremiah mourns the devastation of Jerusalem but also expresses faith in God's compassion and restoration for the repentant. The sermon challenges listeners to examine their ways, repent, and seek the Lord amidst national calamities and betrayals, highlighting the importance of returning to God and renewing devotion in times of distress.
The Meritorious Cause of All Our Sorrows and Sufferings
By Thomas Brooks0RepentanceSin and SufferingLAM 3:39Thomas Brooks emphasizes that our sorrows and sufferings are often a direct result of our sins, urging believers to reflect on their actions rather than complain about their afflictions. He encourages Christians to recognize that when they face hardships, it is their own sinful nature that has led to these trials. Brooks calls for a return to the Lord, advocating for patience and self-examination in the face of God's discipline. He highlights the importance of acknowledging our pride, worldliness, and backsliding as contributors to our suffering, ultimately pointing to the need for repentance and humility.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Wherefore doth a living man complain - He who has his life still lent to him has small cause of complaint. How great soever his affliction may be, he is still alive; therefore, he may seek and find mercy unto eternal life. Of this, death would deprive him; therefore let not a living man complain.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
living--and so having a time yet given him by God for repentance. If sin were punished as it deserves, life itself would be forfeited by the sinner. "Complaining" (murmuring) ill becomes him who enjoys such a favor as life (Pro 19:3). for the punishment of his sins--Instead of blaming God for his sufferings, he ought to recognize in them God's righteousness and the just rewards of his own sin.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Thou hast covered with anger,.... Either himself; not as a tender father, that cannot bear to see the affliction of a child; this does not suit with anger; but rather as one greatly displeased, in whose face anger appears, being covered with it; or who covers his face with it, that he may not be seen, withdrawing his gracious presence; or hast put anger as a wall between thee and us, as Jarchi: so that there was no coming nigh to him: or else it means covering his people with it; so the Targum, "thou hast covered "us" with anger;'' denoting the largeness and abundance of afflictions upon them; they were as it were covered with them, as tokens of the divine displeasure; one wave and billow after another passing over them. Sanctius thinks the allusion is to the covering of the faces of condemned malefactors, as a token of their being guilty: and persecuted us; the Targum adds, in captivity; that is, pursued and followed us with fresh instances of anger and resentment; to have men to be persecutors is bad, but to have God to be a persecutor is dreadful: thou hast slain, thou hast not pitied; had suffered them to be stain by the sword of the enemy, and had shown no compassion to them; See Gill on Lam 2:21; here, and in some following verses, the prophet, or the people he represents, are got to complaining again; though before he had checked himself for it; so hard it is under afflictions to put in practice what should be done by ourselves and others.