Lamentations 3:40
Verse
Context
Sermons
Carter Conlon
Shane IdlemanShane Idleman
Thomas BrooksThomas BrooksSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Let us search - How are we to get the pardon of our sins? The prophet tells us: 1. Let us examine ourselves. 2. "Let us turn again to the Lord." 3. "Let us lift up our heart;" let us make fervent prayer and supplication for mercy. 4. "Let us lift up our hand;" let us solemnly promise to be his, and bind ourselves in a covenant to be the Lord's only: so much lifting up the hand to God implies. Or, let us put our heart on our hand, and offer it to God; so some have translated this clause. 5. "We have transgressed;" let our confession of sin be fervent and sincere. 6. And to us who profess Christianity it may be added, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as having died for thee; and thou shalt not perish, but have everlasting life. Lam 3:46, Lam 3:47, Lam 3:48, beginning with פ phe, should, as to the order of the alphabet, follow Lam 3:49, Lam 3:50, Lam 3:51, which begin with ע ain, which in its grammatical position precedes the former.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
Confession of sins, and complaint against the cruelty of enemies, as well as over the deep misery into which all the people have sunk. Lam 3:40-42. The acknowledgment of guilt implies to prayer, to which also there is a summons in Lam 3:40, Lam 3:41. The transitional idea is not, "Instead of grumbling in a sinful spirit, let us rather examine our conduct" (Thenius); for the summons to examine one's conduct is thereby placed in contrast with Lam 3:39, and the thought, "let every one mourn over his own sins," transformed into a prohibition of sinful complaint. The real transition link is given by Rosenmller: quum mala nostra a peccatis nostris oriantur, culpas nostras et scrutemur et corrigamus. The searching of our ways, i.e., of our conduct, if it be entered on in an earnest spirit, must end in a return to the Lord, from whom we have departed. It is self-evident that עד יהוה does not stand for אל יי, but means as far as (even to) Jahveh, and indicates thorough conversion - no standing half-way. The lifting up of the heart to the hands, also, - not merely of the hands to God, - expresses earnest prayer, that comes from the heart. אל־כּפּים, to the hands (that are raised towards heaven). "To God in heaven," where His almighty throne is placed (Psa 2:4), that He may look down from thence (Lam 3:59) and send help. With Lam 3:42 begins the prayer, as is shown by the direct address to God in the second member. There is no need, however, on this account, for supplying לאמר before the first member; the command to pray is immediately followed by prayer, beginning with the confession of sins, and the recognition of God's chastisement; cf. Psa 106:6; Dan 9:5. נחנוּ is contrasted with אתּה. "Thou hast not pardoned," because Thy justice must inflict punishment.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
us--Jeremiah and his fellow countrymen in their calamity. search--as opposed to the torpor wherewith men rest only on their outward sufferings, without attending to the cause of them (Psa 139:23-24).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Thou hast covered thyself with a cloud,.... With wrath and anger, as a cloud; he wrapped up himself in thick darkness, so as not to be seen or come at: sin, when it appears not pardoned, is as a cloud between God and his people; and this causes him to show his anger and displeasure; which is the cloud about him, Or the hiding of his face. The Targum is, "thou hast covered the heavens with the clouds of thy glory:'' that our prayer should not pass through; in such circumstances God seems to his people to be inexorable; and not a God hearing and answering prayer, as he is; as if there was no access unto him, or audience to be had of him, or acceptance of persons and prayers with him; whereas the throne of grace is always open and accessible: and there is a new and living way for believers always to approach unto God in; he is on a mercy seat, ready to receive and hear their prayers.
Lamentations 3:40
God’s Justice
39Why should any mortal man complain, in view of his sins? 40Let us examine and test our ways, and turn back to the LORD. 41Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven:
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Stretch Out Your Hands to God's Will
By Carter Conlon1.7K47:18God's WillISA 1:18JER 3:22LAM 3:40EZK 18:30DAN 9:4MAT 16:24JHN 12:23In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the troubled state of the world and the need for repentance. He refers to Daniel's prayer as an example of turning to God and seeking forgiveness for our sins. The preacher acknowledges that this message may seem condemning, but he assures the listeners that there is hope and encouragement at the end. He urges the audience to have the moral courage of Daniel and to recognize their own part in the spiritual decline of society.
Beware of the Leaven of Sin
By Shane Idleman70851:53PSA 51:10LAM 3:40MAT 16:6ROM 6:16JAS 5:20
This sermon emphasizes the importance of being vigilant against the leaven of sin, drawing parallels between leaven as false doctrine and sin in the Bible. It highlights the need to address sin in the church, home, and individually, stressing the significance of repentance and returning to the Lord to cleanse and renew one's relationship with God. The speaker encourages a proactive approach to spiritual growth through prayer, worship, and repentance to prevent the growth of sin in one's life.
The Need for Another Reformation
By Shane Idleman56545:30PSA 25:5LAM 3:40This sermon emphasizes the need for personal reformation of the heart, going beyond historical reformation movements. It calls for a renewal, restoration, and revival of truth in individuals' lives, akin to reforming concrete to align with architectural plans. The sermon delves into the historical context of the Reformation 500 years ago, highlighting key figures like Martin Luther and the principles of Sola Scriptura, Sola Fide, Sola Gratia, Solus Christus, and Soli Deo Gloria. It challenges believers to put faith into action, return to the old paths of devotion, and examine their ways to turn back to the Lord in worship.
(Through the Bible) Jeremiah & Lamentations
By Zac Poonen56255:44JER 1:5JER 20:9JER 29:13LAM 3:22LAM 3:40LAM 5:21
This sermon delves into the life of Jeremiah, a faithful prophet who preached to Judah for over 40 years, warning them of their sins and impending judgment. Despite facing rejection and persecution, Jeremiah remained steadfast, weeping in secret for his people's backsliding. His qualities of simplicity, sensitivity, and strength in proclaiming the truth are highlighted, resembling Jesus who also wept over Jerusalem. The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God wholeheartedly, standing true to His word, and having a burden for the spiritual well-being of others.
Every Twig Has a Voice!
By Thomas Brooks0Listening to GodAfflictionsJER 4:18LAM 3:40HOS 2:7MIC 6:8ROM 6:20ROM 14:6GAL 6:18Thomas Brooks emphasizes the significance of listening to God's voice through afflictions, likening them to a rod that speaks to the soul. He urges Christians to remain silent and receptive during trials, as these experiences can reveal God's displeasure and guide them back to Him. Each affliction, or 'twig,' carries a message, prompting believers to reflect on their relationship with God and encouraging them to turn away from sin and draw closer to Christ. Brooks highlights that true understanding of God's voice comes from humility and submission under His rod. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper love and commitment to Christ amidst life's challenges.
Then the Mud Appears
By Thomas Brooks0God's DisciplineThe Purpose of TrialsJOB 23:10PSA 38:18PSA 119:67ISA 48:10LAM 3:40ROM 5:32CO 12:9HEB 12:6JAS 1:21PE 1:7Thomas Brooks emphasizes that God's severe judgments serve as a wake-up call for individuals and nations to cease from sin and return to Him. He illustrates that God's corrections are meant to instruct and purify us, revealing the hidden sins in our hearts during times of prosperity. Just as rust is removed from iron through fire, so too are we awakened to our true selves through fiery trials. Brooks notes that in moments of affliction, our sins become evident, allowing us to confront our pride, unbelief, and discontent. Ultimately, he asserts that afflictions act as a mirror, reflecting both the greatness of God and the vileness of sin.
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Let us search - How are we to get the pardon of our sins? The prophet tells us: 1. Let us examine ourselves. 2. "Let us turn again to the Lord." 3. "Let us lift up our heart;" let us make fervent prayer and supplication for mercy. 4. "Let us lift up our hand;" let us solemnly promise to be his, and bind ourselves in a covenant to be the Lord's only: so much lifting up the hand to God implies. Or, let us put our heart on our hand, and offer it to God; so some have translated this clause. 5. "We have transgressed;" let our confession of sin be fervent and sincere. 6. And to us who profess Christianity it may be added, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as having died for thee; and thou shalt not perish, but have everlasting life. Lam 3:46, Lam 3:47, Lam 3:48, beginning with פ phe, should, as to the order of the alphabet, follow Lam 3:49, Lam 3:50, Lam 3:51, which begin with ע ain, which in its grammatical position precedes the former.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
Confession of sins, and complaint against the cruelty of enemies, as well as over the deep misery into which all the people have sunk. Lam 3:40-42. The acknowledgment of guilt implies to prayer, to which also there is a summons in Lam 3:40, Lam 3:41. The transitional idea is not, "Instead of grumbling in a sinful spirit, let us rather examine our conduct" (Thenius); for the summons to examine one's conduct is thereby placed in contrast with Lam 3:39, and the thought, "let every one mourn over his own sins," transformed into a prohibition of sinful complaint. The real transition link is given by Rosenmller: quum mala nostra a peccatis nostris oriantur, culpas nostras et scrutemur et corrigamus. The searching of our ways, i.e., of our conduct, if it be entered on in an earnest spirit, must end in a return to the Lord, from whom we have departed. It is self-evident that עד יהוה does not stand for אל יי, but means as far as (even to) Jahveh, and indicates thorough conversion - no standing half-way. The lifting up of the heart to the hands, also, - not merely of the hands to God, - expresses earnest prayer, that comes from the heart. אל־כּפּים, to the hands (that are raised towards heaven). "To God in heaven," where His almighty throne is placed (Psa 2:4), that He may look down from thence (Lam 3:59) and send help. With Lam 3:42 begins the prayer, as is shown by the direct address to God in the second member. There is no need, however, on this account, for supplying לאמר before the first member; the command to pray is immediately followed by prayer, beginning with the confession of sins, and the recognition of God's chastisement; cf. Psa 106:6; Dan 9:5. נחנוּ is contrasted with אתּה. "Thou hast not pardoned," because Thy justice must inflict punishment.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
us--Jeremiah and his fellow countrymen in their calamity. search--as opposed to the torpor wherewith men rest only on their outward sufferings, without attending to the cause of them (Psa 139:23-24).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Thou hast covered thyself with a cloud,.... With wrath and anger, as a cloud; he wrapped up himself in thick darkness, so as not to be seen or come at: sin, when it appears not pardoned, is as a cloud between God and his people; and this causes him to show his anger and displeasure; which is the cloud about him, Or the hiding of his face. The Targum is, "thou hast covered the heavens with the clouds of thy glory:'' that our prayer should not pass through; in such circumstances God seems to his people to be inexorable; and not a God hearing and answering prayer, as he is; as if there was no access unto him, or audience to be had of him, or acceptance of persons and prayers with him; whereas the throne of grace is always open and accessible: and there is a new and living way for believers always to approach unto God in; he is on a mercy seat, ready to receive and hear their prayers.