Commentary Upon Lamentations, Chapter 5
The fifth Chapter.
REmember O Lord what is come vponupon vsus] i. O thou that rulest al things, cal to mind Verse 1.what grieuous things wee do suffer [beholde and looke vponupon our reproach] i. see with consideration, how wee, whome thou hast chosen for thy peculiar people to hauehave thy own name called vponupon by vsus, are become the scorne of all men.
Doctrine. Generally out of the whole verse. The principall desire of the godly is, that the Lord would weigh their estate. The reason is, because, first, they know him to bee a righteous Iudge, euer dealing fauourably with his people. Secondly, their consciences doe tell them, that notwithstanding they are grieuous sinners agaynst the Lord, yet the enemies abuse them for the trueth sake. The vse is, to teach vsus, in all our distresses to repent vnfaynedly for our sinnes against the Lord, so may wee with good consciences come vntounto him with our complaints in our miseries.
Out of this verse may also bee gathered the 3. 4. and 5. doctrines of chap. 1. vers. 11.
[Our possession is turned vntounto strangers] i. Our landes are Uers. 2.taken from vsus, and giuen to others [our houses vntounto forrenners] i. our habitations are enioyed by those that hauehave no manner of right vntounto them.
Doctrine. Generally out of the whole verse. God sometimes bringeth his people to so low an ebbe in the things of this life, as he neither leaueth them possessions, nor houses wherein to shroud themselues. The reason is, because, first, the things of this life are no part of that promise which he hath made peculiarly to them. Secondly, he will let them see that they hauehave no cause to put confidence in worldly things. The vse is, to teach vsus, first, neuer to promise our selues any assurance of the things of this life. Secondly, to learne whensoeuer the Lord taketh them from vsus, to make lesse account of them, and to repose our affiance more wholly in him.
[We are orphanes, and hauehave no fathers] i. our fathers are Verse 3.either killed with the sword, or dead with the pestilence; and so many of vsus are left without succour or protection [our mothers are as widowes] i. not onelyonly wee are fatherlesse, but also our mothers are as desolate widdowes, depriued of their husbands, the stay and comfort of their life.
Doctrine. Generally out of the whole verse. It is a grieuous punishment of God, and much to be lamented, when God maketh many children fatherlesse, & wiues widdowes in any Nation. The reason is, because, first, a speciall strength of the whole common wealth is taken away, when housholders are cut off. Secondly, it is a meane to fill the Church with all disorders, when fathers of families that should rule eueryevery one his houshold, be taken away. The vse is, to teach vsus, whensoeuer we see God to deale so with our countrie or our selues in particular, to acknowledge it his heauie hand vponupon vsus for our sinnes, and to learne amendment by it.
[We drinke our waters for money] i. euen water, that is vsually Verse 4.common, we are constrained to giuegive money for, yea, though it were of that which was our owne [our wood commeth to vsus by a price] i. we are glad to buy againe that wood, which they hauehave taken by violence from vsus.
Doctrine. Generally out of the whole verse. Gods people are often constrained to buy the benefite and vse of that which is their owne. The reason is, because, first, God will make hereby the world more hard vntounto them, that they may learne to looke vntounto him the more carefully. Secondly, that the wicked, when God giueth them power ouer the godly, may shewe the crueltie of their disposition more manifestly. The vse is, to teach vsus, to take it patiently, as the lot that God hath appoynted vsus, when such extremities doe fall vponupon vsus.
[Those vponupon our neckes, persecute vsus] i. those that sit ouer Verse 5.vsus and presse vsus downe, doe follow all extremities against vsus [we are wearted and it is not suffered vsus to rest] i. we are greatly toyled with miseries on eueryevery side, and yet hauehave wee no time of breathing or refreshing.
Doctrine. [vponupon our neckes] In that they were stiffe-necked and refused to beare the Lords yoke, and thereupon are 1giuen ouer to beare this heauie condition, we learne this doctrine. When Gods people doe begin to refuse his yoke which is light and easie, he will lay a more grieuous burthen vponupon them. The reason is, because, first, he will let them see by experience, that to serue him is the sweetest life. Secondly he loueth them, and therefore doth correct them with the rods of men. The vse is, to teach vsus, in all our afflictions to acknowledge the heauie hand of God to be most iustly prouoked against vsus by our owne sinnes.
Doctrine. [not suffered vsus to rest] The wicked are neuer satisfied, but doe still continue their hatred against the godly: 2for the reason and vse hereof, see Chap. 3. vers. 14 doct. 6.
We hauehave giuen our hand to Egypt] i. we hauehave stretched out our begging hand to the people of Egypt [to Ashur to bee satisfied Verse 6.with bread] i. yea to the Aslyrians, our greatest enemies, hauehave wee sought for necessarie reliefe; such is our miserie.
Doctrine. [we hauehave giuen] It is lawfull for our necessarie helpe in the things of this life, to vse the assistance of those 1that be our enemies. The reason is, because, first, the matters of this life are giuen of God to the iust and vniust, to be vsed of all the sonnes of Adam, for the reliefe of eueryevery particular. Secondly, the godly are the proper owners of all things in the world, & to seeke them when they need them, of whomsoeuer God maketh the treasurers thereof. The vse is, first, to reproue them that thinke it not lawfull to buy and sell with, or to bee any way beholden vntounto the wicked. Secondly, to teach vsus, to vse them when other meanes are denied vsus, lest we tempt God in despising the meanes.
Doctrine. [to bee satisfied with &c.] Gods people may 2come to that want in this life, as to begge their bodily food: for the reason and vse hereof, see Chap. 4. vers. 4. doct. 4.
[Our faethers hauehave sinned, and are not] i. our ancestors did Verse 7.transgresse Gods commandements, and yet they are out of the miseries of this life [we beare their sinnes] i. we being the sinfull seede of that sinfull generation, doe beare the punishment of their sinnes, and of our owne, according to that Exodus 20. 5. Iere. 32. 18. not that the sonnes are punished for their fathers sinnes: for this is alwaies true, the soule that sinneth shall dye, Ezech. 18. 20. neither shall the father dye for the sinne of the sonne, nor the sonne for the sinne of the father: but the meaning is, that forafmuch as they are not only guiltie of their owne sinnes, but also of their fathers, in that they did succeed them in their iniquities: therefore had their fathers lesse punishment, and the heauier burthen lieth vponupon them.
Doctrine. Generally out of the whole verse. When diuers generations continue in one sinne, the Lord vseth to punish the latter more seuerely then the former. The reason is, because, first, the sonne should feare to doe the like, when hee seeth his fathers sinne, Ezech. 18. 14. els is his sinne more heynous. Secondly, the longer Gods patience is abused, the greater heape of vengeance is deserued. The vse is, to teach vsus, not to stand vponupon this; we will doe as our forefathers hauehave done: for if we sinne as they did, we must be punished more seuerely then they were.
[Seruants doe rule ouer vsus] i. wee are not onelyonly vassals to the Princes, and great men that are our enemies; but euen Verse 8.eueryevery abiect, and base fellow vseth vsus at his pleasure [none rescueth vsus from their hands] i. though eueryevery man doe vsus wrong, and vile fellowes abuse vsus, yet no body hath any care to helpe vsus, or to doe vsus any iustice.
Doctrine [seruants, &c.] When the wicked that are in 1authoritie doe set themselues to vexe the godly, eueryevery seruant and vile fellow will be ready to adde to their miseries. The reason is, because, first, all the wicked are of one disposition, whether they bee high or lowe. Secondly, vngodly ones will flatter the rulers, and bee ready to doe that which will like them, especially if they be euill. The vse is, first, to teach magistrates to take heede what they doe, seeing the people be ready to follow them in all euill, for which (as well as their owne) they shall answere at the day of account. Secondly, to teach vsus, when rulers set themselues against vsus for wel-doing, to looke for the enmitie of their seruants, and of the multitude also.
Doctrine. [none rescueth] God often layeth great miseries vponupon his people, and denieth them al meanes of deliuerance: 2for the reason and, vse hereof, see chapt. 1. vers. 7. doctr. 3.
[In our liues] i. with the toule of our soules, or with the Verse 9.danger of our liues [we hauehave brought our bread] i. wee hauehave procured vntounto our selues foode [before the drynesse of the wildernesse] i. by reason of the barren, and dangerous places, where we were constrayned to liue.
Doctrine. Generally out of the whole verse. The godly do often get ncessarie foode, with the greatest danger and difficultie that can be. The reason is, because, first, the worlde, and all the fauourers thereof are against them. Secondly, God would make them thoroughly wearie of this worlde. The vse is, to teach vsus, not to wonder, or be amazed, when eueryevery worldly thing goeth against vsus, but to looke for it, as our share allotted vsus in this life.
[Our skinne was blacke as an ouen] i. Our bodies waxed Verse 10.blacke, euen as doth an ouen, being continually beaten vponupon with the flame of the fire, that is within it [with the storms of famine] i. with that exceeding sharpe and continual hunger that maketh vsus, as it were weather-beaten with continuall stormes.
Doctrine. Generallie out of the whole verse. The afflictions of Gods people doe often worke a great alteration in their bodies. The reason is, because, first, they are exceeding vehement. Secondly, God will often hauehave them seene (as it were) in their countenance, for the example of others. The vse is, to teach vsus, to looke for afflictions from the Lord, both vponupon our bodies and soules; and when we see them vponupon others, to profite by them, as the good childe doth, when he seeth his brother beaten.
[The women were defiled in Sion] i. The honest and sober Verse 11.matrons did the enemy force and abuse to satisfie their filthy lust, euen in the holy place, dedicated to Gods especiall seruice [the virgins in the cities of Iudah] i. yea and the maydens also in eueryevery place where they came, and in the cities that they did ouercome.
Doctr. Generally out of the whole verse. There is no acte so filthy, or odious, which the wicked will not do, to accomplish their owne desires. The reason is, because, first, God giueth them ouer to worke al wickednesse with greedinesse. Secondly, Sathan ruleth them, who is shamelesse himselfe, and so maketh he all those that are wholly guided by him. The vse is, to shew vsus, vntounto what horrible condition man commeth, when God leaueth him vntounto himselfe. Secondly, to teach vsus, not to trust such as we see giuen ouer vntounto sinne, no not in those things that shame and ciuil honesty forbiddeth them to abuse themselues in.
[The princes are hanged vp by their hands] i. they make no more reckoning of the honorable men among vsus, but doe euen Verse 12.hang them vp like dogs [the faces of the aged are not honored] i. the reuerend olde men and ancient matrons hauehave no kinde of duetie done them, but are vtterly defpised, as the rest of the people.
Doctrine. Generally out of the whole verse. When God stirreth vp the wicked to bee his scourge to punish his people, they hauehave no respect to fauour one degree or sexe more then another. The reason is, because, first, hee that is no accepter of persons doth set them on worke. Secondly, they are generally sinful in great measure before such a rod commeth vponupon them. Thirdly, the wicked seeke to satisfie their desires vponupon all, ouer whom God giueth them power. The vse is, first, to reproue their vanitie that flatter themselues in their sinnes, thinking they shall not be punished among other sinners, because they are great ones, rich, or aged. Secondly, to teach vsus, of what condition soeuer wee be, to preuent the Lords punishing hand by repentance, or els we shall be sure to feele it extreamely, when our sinnes are at their height.
[They tooke the young men to grinde] i. they made our goodly and strong young men to grind in the mill, a worke Uers. 13.that Asses were vsually put vntounto, being most painful, & most abiect worke [the boyes fell vnderunder the wood] i. they caused the young youths to beare such burthens of wood, as the very weight thereof crushed them downe, because they were not able to stand vnderunder it.
Doctrine. Generally out of the whole verse. When the wicked doe tyrannize ouer the godly, they seeke to serue their owne turnes with them, with greater crueltie then they doe with the bruit beasts. The reason is, because, they beare a hatred vntounto them; so as, euen their mercies are cruell. The vse is, to teach vsus, to pray vntounto God, that hee would neuer giuegive vsus ouer into their handes, or if hee doe, to giuegive vsus especiall strength and patience, seeing they vse to deale so cruelly.
[The olde men hauehave ceased from the gate] i. the graue and ancient men doe no more sit in the gate, according to the Verse 14.ancient manner, Gen. 34. 20. to iudge betweene partie and partie, and to execute iustice to all men [the young men from their song] i. and the youth also of the people hauehave no ioy, neither doe they vse any of their honest recreations, which they were wont to vse.
Doctr. [ceased from, &c.[ It is a grieuous plague vntounto a people, when the seat of iustice is ouerthrown from among thē. 1The reason is, because, first, it bringeth in all confusion and disorder. Secondly, no man can enioy any thing as his own. Thirdly, eueryevery one lyeth open to the violence of spoylers, & hath no succour nor redresse, being wronged. The vse is, to teach vsus, first, that it is better to hauehave tyrants gouerne vsus, then to bee voyd of all gouernement. Secondly, to pray vntounto GOD for the gouernement vnderunder which we liue, that in the prosperitie thereof we may hauehave peace. Thirdly, to acknowledge all lawful magistrates to be the special ordinances of God, appoynted for our good, and therefore to yeeld obedience, and reuerence thereunto for conscience sake.
Doctrine. [young men from] The ouerthrow of magistracie 2among a people, taketh all occasions of reioycing from all sortes of people. The reason is, because, first, many great blessings are lost, and many greeuances come vponupon them which wil make the heart heauy. Secondly, they hauehave no safetie, but hauehave cause eueryevery one to feare another, & to stand vponupon his owne guard, as though he were in the midst of his enemies. The vse is, to teach vsus, to pray vntounto GOD that hee would neuer leaue vsus without those heads, and gouernours that may take care to protect vsus in peace; for if he doe, our life will be more bitter then death it selfe.
Doctrine. [their song] Honest recreations and delightes are to be esteemed among the good blessings that God giueth 3his people in this life. The reason is, because, first, it is here accounted by the holy Ghost a grieuous thing that they are depriued of them. Secondly, neither bodie nor mind can continue able and apt to their dueties without some intermission, but it is neuer lawful to be idle. The vse is, first, to reproue thē that are so Stoical, as they think no recreatiō to be allowed by the word of God. Secondly, to teachvs, that it is lawful for vsus to vse those exercises that may recreate either our bodie wearied with trauaile, or our mindes oppressed with studies, meditations, cares of this life, or troubles: so that these cautions be alwayes obeserued, first, no parte of Gods worship may be abused in it, and therefore swearing, lottes, &c. must not be there. Secondly, the hinderance of our neighbors profite may not be sought in it, and therefore wee may neither desire their companie that should bee about their worldly businesse; nor seeke to profite, or gaine by the losse of any Thirdly, it must be vsed to make vsus fitter for the more waightie dueties of our calling; and therefore wee may not spend whole daies, or halfe daies therein: for els wee make not a recreation but an occupation of it.
[The ioy of our hearts doth cease] i. wee hauehave no matter of Verse 15.reioycing left vsus at all [our daunce is turned into mourning] i. whereas we hauehave had much cause to be merrie, we hauehave now nothing but matter of mourning.
Doctrine. Generally out of the whole verse. Gods people are sometimes in such case, as they hauehave no cause of gladnesse, being on eueryevery side beset with crosses and calamities. The reason is, because, first, God will let them see the desert of their sinues. Secondly, the Lord will bring them to a thorough mislike of this world, and a longing after heauen. The vse is, to teach vsus, first, not to condemne any, or to thinke our selues to bee forsaken of God, because of the multitude and greatnesse of afflictions. Secondly, to learne by afflictions to set our affections more feruently vponupon heauen and heauenly things.
[Our crowne is fallen from our head] i. all our glorie both of Church and common wealth, yea and whatsoeuer thing Uers. 16any priuate man had where with he was honoured or any way graced [woe is now to vsus, because we hauehave sinned] i. cause of great sorrowe and lamentation is vponupon vsus, for that wee hauehave transgressed the righteous lawes of the iust God, and not yeelded obedience vntounto him.
Doctrine. Generally out of the whole verse. It is the sinne of the godly that causeth all their afflictions which they doe suffer; which also in their greatest agonies they doe confesse: see Chapt. 1. vers. 5. doct. 7. & vers. 8. doct. 2. & vers. 12. doct. 1. & 2.
[For this our heart is faint] i. this grieuous estate of our Verse 17.sinnes doth touch vsus with the greatest griefe [because of these things] i. for these great miseries which our sinnes hauehave procured vsus [our eyes are darkned] i. our senses are made dull, as vsually they are with griefe and sorrowe.
Doctrine. [for this &c.] The godly when they are thoroughly touched are more grieued for their sinnes, then for 1all the plagues that the Lord laieth vponupon them in this life. The reason is, because, first, sinne in it selfe separateth betwixt God and man, which no kind of afflictions can doe. Secondly, sinne is the cause of afflictions, without which no sorrowe could come vntounto vsus. The vse is, to teach vsus, to labour with our selues alwaies to be more displeased with our selues for our offences, then for those punishments which they bring vponupon vsus in this life.
Doctrine. [because of these things] The sirength of mans 2bodie is more wasted with sorrow and griefe then with any toyle that can befall it in this life. The reason is, because, griefe riseth from the heart, the fountaine of strength, and spreadeth into eueryevery part of the bodie. The vse is, to shewe the cause why many are ouerwhelmed in some troubles, which (and greater also) some are not moued withal; euen because the one laieth them, as grieuous things, to the heart; the other casteth them, as trifles behind his heeles. Secondly, to teach vsus, so to sorrowe when afflictions are vponupon vsus, as yet we neuer exceed the meane, lest wee make our selues vnable to performe the dueties of our callings, and so increase our sins by that meanes.
[Because of mount Sion, which is desolate] i. This especially grieueth my heart, that the place where Gods seruice was Verse 18.wont to bevsed with great glorie to his name, and ioy to his people, should be made as a forsaken wildernesse [foxes run in it] i. such as, with craft and bloudie affection doe spoyle the flocke, doe raunge therein at their pleasure.
Doctrine. [because of mount Sion] The desolation of the Church of God, is the greatest griefe that can be fall Gods 1people in this life. The reason is, because, first, it bringeth dishonour to God, which is more to be grieued at then the losse of life it selfe, Exod. 32. 32. Rom. 9. 3. &c. Secondly, they delight more in the prosperitie thereof, then in their other greatest ioye, Psalm. 137. 6. The vse is, to teach vsus, to labour with our selues that we neuer think we hauehave attained to any tolerable measure of religion, vntill Gods glorie be the dearest thing vntounto vsus of all other.
Doctrine. [foxes] The troubles of Gods Church be at the 2height of her afflictions, when they that hate her, and spoyle her, hauehave power ouer her. The reason is, because, first, no part of Gods honour can be aduaunced for them. Secondly, eueryevery true member of the Church is vexed by them. The vse is, to teach vsus (as this people did) when such a condition befalleth the Church of God, to mourne for it, bearing patiently our shares in the miseries of it, and praying heartily to God for the amendment of it.
[Thou O Lord remainest for euer] i. howsoeuer there is oftentimes a chaunge and alteration in this world, and that in Verse 19.thy Church; yet thou abidest the same for euer [thy seate to generation and generation] i. the throne, on which thou sittest (for hee speaketh after the manner of men) to rule all things is firme, so as thy Church depending vponupon the assurance of thy power and promise, cannot but continue, howsoeuer seuerall generations be punished and cut off for their sinnes.
Doctrine. Generally out of the whole verse. The Lord hath from the beginning, and will to the ende, and after all generations, rule the world, and all that dwell therein. The reason is, because, all power is of him, and is to bee referred vntounto him. The vse is, to teach vsus, that howsoeuer wee for our sinnes doe vanish away, yet Gods Church shall remaine, though flouds of afflictions seeme to drowne eueryevery member thereof; seeing it is founded vponupon his promise that cannot lie, and his power which is able to do all things. This doctrine, and the same vse thereof, is expressed, Psal. 102. 24. to the end.
[Why hast thou forgotten vsus for euer] i. O Lord seeing we Verse 20.are thy people, and thou our God, why is thy heauie hand so vponupon vsus, as though thou hadst no care of vsus, & did forget vsus? [why hast thou left vsus to the length of daies] i. why doest thou so carie thy selfe towards vsus, as if thou hadst forsaken vsus for euer.
Doctrine. [why &c.] When the godly are most pinched with afflictions, then are their prayers most feruent vntounto the Lord. The reason is, because, first, afflictions driue away drowsinesse and securitie. Secondly, the present vexation that troubles doe bring, doth make vsus pray as earnestly against them, as we are desirous to be rid of them. The vse is, to teach vsus, to knowe that howsoeuer no affliction is for the time ioyous, but grieuous; yet they are profitable to all that are rightly exercised in them, Heb. 12. 11.
[Restore vsus O Lord to thee, that wee may be returned] i. O Verse 21.Lord, it is thou alone that must bring vsus into our former estate of peace and felicitie, if euer we shall be brought vntounto it: for he speaketh not here of the worke of repentance, but of their outward flourishing estate, such as they had vnderunder Dauid and Salomon [renew our daies as of old] i. let it please thee to alter our estate from this miserie wherein it is, to that happinesse that it hath been in, in former times.
Doctrine. Generally out of the whole verse. It is in the 1hand of God alone to alter and dispose of the outward estate of all men in this life. The reason is, because all power ouer al things is in his hand alone. The vse is, first, to reproue them that ascribe any thing (when they prosper) vntounto their owne power or wisedome. Secondly, to teach vsus to seeke vntounto God alone for successe vntounto our trauailes, whether wee labour for the good of the bodie, or the soule, and to acknowledge his hand that giueth both prosperitie and aduersitie therein.
Doctrine. [as of old] The experience of Gods former fauour, 2is a notable prouocation to cause vsus still to trust in him, and to call vponupon him in all our necessities: for the reason and vse hereof, see Chap. 3. vers. 56. doct. 1.
[For shouldest thou altogether contemne vsus] i. Lord how Uers. 22.can it agree with thy promise and former mercies, now to make no reckoning of vsus [shouldest thou be exceedingly angry with vsus] i. canst thou shewe thy wrath against vsus aboue the strength thou hast giuen vsus to beare it, and so consume vsus which are thine inheritance?
Doctrine. Generally out of the whole verse. The consideration of Gods louelove to his people, and mercifull disposition to doe them good, is an assurance vntounto the godly in their afflictions, that the end shall be ioyful. The reason is, because, first, they know he hath euer shewed pitie to his people, and deliuered them out of all their distresses. Secondly, they beleeue that God will doe so with them; seeing, neither his arme is shortned, nor his kindnesse any way abated, there being no chaunge in him. The vse is, to teach vsus, in all our troubles not to measure the euent of them by our owne sinnes, or our power to escape them (for then shall wee bee confounded in our selues) but by the due meditation of Gods power and merciemercy, which he hath promised to imploy for euer to the good of his Church, Matth. 28. 20. who will be true of his word, though all men be lyars, Rom. 3. 4.
The end of the Lamentations of Jeremy.
End of the text · John Udall, Commentary Upon Lamentations (1593)