Lamentations 4

Lamentations 4:1

BEcome dim] how hath it hapned that Gods people, who were like unto fine gold and precious stones, whereof the spirituall Temple is built, have lost their lustre and dignity, being scattered about like the stones of the ruine of a building?

Lamentations 4:3

Sea-monsters] the Italian, great sea-fishes; it is a kinde of a whale: This is spoken onely to exaggerate the extremity of the famine, which was such during the time of the siege at Ierusalem, that father and mothers did forget their affection towards their children, being distressed through their own wants

Lamentations 4:5

Embrace] an Hebrew phrase, to shew their gesture, who lying in their beds, do wrap themselves up in the clothes and coverlids, see Iob 24. 8. As much as to say, The children of curiousest breeding, and of the best families have lien upon dunghils, where common ordures have been thrown out, seeking there for some mean kind of food.

Lamentations 4:7

Nazarites] who according to the Law, Numb. 6. 2. wee bound to a more strict kinde of purensse. Others translate it, The most honourable men, and which were of most note.

Lamentations 4:13

For the sins] this is not said to excuse the people, but to aggravate the generall corruption which had reached even to these principall members in whom most holinesse was required, and whose evil example bred more scandall and contagion, and through whose default the Church came to be without any help, see Ier. 23. 15. Matthew 5:13.

Lamentations 4:14

As blinde men] the Italian, Blinde men have wandred; an amplification of the great slaughters which were made in Ierusalem, either in the time of the Caldeans siege, or under Manasseh, and other wicked Kings, 2 Kings 21:16. whereby poor linde men could not avoid the defiling of themselves with the blood that was shed, Num. 19 11.

Lamentations 4:15

When they] the Italian, and though they; though they speedily withdrew themselves from such unclean places as were shewed them, yet they could not chuse but defile themselves by touching of some dead carcase, whereof every thing was full They said] the very prophane people, hearing and seeing the wickednesse of the Iews, have judged that it was impossible that God should suffer them any longer

Lamentations 4:16

They respected not] this also is likely rather spoken of the Iews then of the Caldeans.

Lamentations 4:17

Our eyes] we have in vain wearied our selves, expecting relief out of Egypt, 2 Kings 24:7. Ier. 37 7, 8

Lamentations 4:20

The breath] namely, Zedekiah the last King 〈◊〉〈…〉vids race, in whose life time we hoped to be restored, re-established, and gathered together from our dispersions and captivities In their nets] or pits: A terme taken from hunters, Ezekiel 12:13.

Lamentations 4:21

Reioyce] an ironicall reproof for the Idumeans, the Iews deadly enemies, who did insult upon them in their ruine, Psal. 137. 7 Thy self naked] the Italian, uncover thy self; that is to say, Thou shalt be void of shame and understanding, even like a drunken body, see Gene 9. 21. The meaning is, Gods judgements shall bring thee into such misery, that thou shalt be exposed to publike scorn, even as thou hast derided the Iews.

Lamentations 4:22

Punishment] that is to say, God hath punished thee untill the appointed and prefixed time, henceforward he will take pity upon thee, and turn his wrath upon thine enemies.