Commentaries on Lamentations
()
About this ebook
Commentaries on Lamentations is a classic overview of the Book of Lamentations.
Matthew Henry
He was born in Broad Oak, Iscoid, Wales on October 18, 1662. Matthew became a Christian at the age of ten years old (1672). He studied law and was ordained in 1687 serving as a pastor in Chester, from that same year until 1712. He began to teach the Old Testament in the mornings and the New in the afternoons. This constituted the basis for his future Commentary, which he began writing in 1704. However, he died in 1714, and thirteen non-conformist theologians took care of completing it. His theology is a faithful testimony of evangelical truth, emphasizing man’s total depravity and God’s sovereign and saving grace. His work shows a deep spiritual capacity and great erudition that stems from a great knowledge of Greek and Hebrew.
Read more from Matthew Henry
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible: One-volume abridgement of the massive six-volume Commentary Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Ultimate Commentary On 1 Corinthians: The Ultimate Commentary Collection Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Commentaries on Psalms Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe New Matthew Henry Commentary: The Classic Work with Updated Language Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Ultimate Commentary On Proverbs Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Ultimate Commentary On 1 Peter: The Ultimate Commentary Collection Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Ultimate Commentary On 1 Samuel: The Ultimate Commentary Collection Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Ultimate Commentary On 1 Kings: The Ultimate Commentary Collection Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Commentaries on Isaiah Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Ultimate Commentary On 1 John: The Ultimate Commentary Collection Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5A Method for Prayer Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Ultimate Commentary On 2 Corinthians: The Ultimate Commentary Collection Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Complete Works of Matthew Henry: Treatises, Sermons, and Tracts Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Matthew Henry's Method for Prayer (ESV 1st Person Version) Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Commentaries on Genesis Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsCommentaries on Proverbs Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Book of Daniel - Bible Commentary Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsCommentaries on Jeremiah Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Ultimate Commentary On Job: The Ultimate Commentary Collection Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Ultimate Commentary On 1 Thessalonians: The Ultimate Commentary Collection Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/51 Corinthians - Bible Commentary Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsCommentaries on Exodus Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5A Method for Prayer: With Scripture Expressions Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsCommentaries on Joshua Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Romans - Bible Commentary Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsCommentaries on Judges Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Ultimate Commentary On 1 Chronicles: The Ultimate Commentary Collection Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Commentaries on Matthew Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsCommentaries on Deuteronomy Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Song of Solomon - Bible Commentary Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
Related to Commentaries on Lamentations
Related ebooks
Commentaries on Daniel Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsCommentaries on Hosea Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsCommentaries on Nehemiah Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsCommentaries on Numbers Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsCommentaries on Chronicles Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsCommentaries on Amos Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsCommentaries on Ezra Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsEcclesiastes - Complete Bible Commentary Verse by Verse Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsCommentaries on Esther Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsExodus - Bible Commentary Rating: 1 out of 5 stars1/5Commentaries on Job Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsEcclesiastes - Bible Commentary Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsExodus - Complete Bible Commentary Verse by Verse Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsRomans: Expository Series, #1 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings1 Samuel - Complete Bible Commentary Verse by Verse Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsCommentaries on Kings Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBible Commentary - Gospel of Matthew Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsFirst and Second Peter - Complete Bible Commentary Verse by Verse Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsDeuteronomy - Complete Bible Commentary Verse by Verse Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsFirst and Second Timothy - Complete Bible Commentary Verse by Verse Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsCommentaries on Revelation Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBible Commentary - First, Second and Third John Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBook of Job - Complete Bible Commentary Verse by Verse Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Proverbs - Bible Commentary Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsCommentaries on Zechariah Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsFirst, Second, and Third John - Complete Bible Commentary Verse by Verse Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsWhat is the Gospel? Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLeviticus: Complete Bible Commentary Verse by Verse Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsCommentaries on Ecclesiastes Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsAll of Grace: Theological Study Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
Christianity For You
Decluttering at the Speed of Life: Winning Your Never-Ending Battle with Stuff Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Mere Christianity Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Screwtape Letters Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Four Loves Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Law of Connection: Lesson 10 from The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Good Boundaries and Goodbyes: Loving Others Without Losing the Best of Who You Are Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex: Creating a Marriage That's Both Holy and Hot Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Boundaries Workbook: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Everybody, Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Winning the War in Your Mind: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Stories We Tell: Every Piece of Your Story Matters Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Less Fret, More Faith: An 11-Week Action Plan to Overcome Anxiety Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Boundaries with Kids: How Healthy Choices Grow Healthy Children Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Book of Enoch Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5NIV, Holy Bible Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are so You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Changes That Heal: Four Practical Steps to a Happier, Healthier You Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Bible Recap: A One-Year Guide to Reading and Understanding the Entire Bible Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Undistracted: Capture Your Purpose. Rediscover Your Joy. Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5A Grief Observed Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Wild at Heart Expanded Edition: Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Reviews for Commentaries on Lamentations
0 ratings0 reviews
Book preview
Commentaries on Lamentations - Matthew Henry
COMMENTARIES ON LAMENTATIONS
..................
Matthew Henry
PAPHOS PUBLISHERS
Thank you for reading. In the event that you appreciate this book, please consider sharing the good word(s) by leaving a review, or connect with the author.
This book is a work of nonfiction and is intended to be factually accurate.
All rights reserved. Aside from brief quotations for media coverage and reviews, no part of this book may be reproduced or distributed in any form without the author’s permission. Thank you for supporting authors and a diverse, creative culture by purchasing this book and complying with copyright laws.
Copyright © 2015 by Matthew Henry
Interior design by Pronoun
Distribution by Pronoun
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Commentaries on Lamentations
Lamentations Introduction
Lamentations Introduction
Lamentations Introduction
Lamentations Chapter 1
Lamentations Chapter 2
Lamentations Chapter 3
Lamentations Chapter 4
Lamentations Chapter 5
COMMENTARIES ON LAMENTATIONS
..................
By
Matthew Henry
LAMENTATIONS INTRODUCTION
..................
LAMENTATIONS INTRODUCTION
..................
LAMENTATIONS INTRODUCTION
..................
Lamentations
An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The Lamentations of Jeremiah
Since what Solomon says, though contrary to the common opinion of the world, is certainly true, that sorrow is better than laughter, and it is better to go to the house of mourning than to the house of feasting, we should come to the reading and consideration of the melancholy chapters of this book, not only willingly, but with an expectation to edify ourselves by them; and, that we may do this, we must compose ourselves to a holy sadness and resolve to weep with the weeping prophet. Let us consider, I. The title of this book; in the Hebrew it has one, but is called (as the books of Moses are) from the first word Ecah-How; but the Jewish commentators call it, as the Greeks do, and we from them, Kinoth-Lamentations. As we have sacred odes or songs of joy, so have we sacred elegies or songs of lamentation; such variety of methods has Infinite Wisdom taken to work upon us and move our affections, and so soften our hearts and make them susceptible of the impressions of divine truths, as the wax of the seal. We have not only piped unto you, but have mourned likewise, Mat 11:17. II. The penman of this book; it was Jeremiah the prophet, who is here Jeremiah the poet, and vates signifies both; therefore this book is fitly adjoined to the book of his prophecy, and is as an appendix to it. We had there at large the predictions of the desolations of Judah and Jerusalem, and then the history of them, to show how punctually the predictions were accomplished, for the confirming of our faith: now here we have the expressions of his sorrow upon occasion of them, to show that he was very sincere in the protestations he had often made that he did not desire the woeful day, but that, on the contrary, the prospect of it filled him with bitterness. When he saw these calamities at a distance, he wished that his head were waters and his eyes fountains of tears; and, when they came, he made it to appear that he did not dissemble in that wish, and that he was far from being disaffected to his country, which was the crime his enemies charged him with. Though his country had been very unkind to him, and though the ruin of it was both a proof that he was a true prophet and a punishment of them for prosecuting him as a false prophet, which might have tempted him to rejoice in it, yet he sadly lamented it, and herein showed a better temper than that which Jonah was of with respect to Nineveh. III. The occasion of these Lamentations was the destruction of Judah and Jerusalem by the Chaldean army and the dissolution of the Jewish state both civil and ecclesiastical thereby. Some of the rabbies will have these to be the Lamentations which Jeremiah penned upon occasion of the death of Josiah, which are mentioned Ch2 35:25. But, though it is true that that opened the door to all the following calamities, yet these Lamentations seem to be penned in the sight, not in the foresight, of those calamities-when they had already come, not when they were at a distance; and these is nothing of Josiah in them, and his praise, as was no question, in the lamentations for him. No, it is Jerusalem’s funeral that this is an elegy upon. Others of them will have these Lamentations to be contained in the roll which Baruch wrote from Jeremiah’s mouth, and which Jehoiakim burnt, and they suggest that at first there were in it only the 1st, 2nd, and 4th chatpers, but that the 3rd and 5th were the many like words that were afterwards added; but this is a groundless fancy; that roll is expressly said to be a repetition and summary of the prophet’s sermons, Jer 36:2. IV. The composition of it; it is not only poetical, but alphabetical, all except the 5th chatper, as some of David’s psalms are; each verse begins with a several letter in the order of the Hebrew alphabet, the first aleph, the second beth, etc., but the 3rd chapter is a triple alphabet, the first three beginning with aleph, the next three with beth, etc., which was a help to memory (it being designed that these mournful ditties should be got by heart) and was an elegance in writing then valued and therefore not now to be despised. They observe that in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th chapters, the letter pe is put before ain, which in all the Hebrew alphabets follows it, for a reason of which Dr. Lightfoot offers this conjecture, That the letter ajin, which is the numeral letter for Septuagint, was thus, by being displaced, made remarkable, to put them in mind of the seventy years at the end of which God would turn again their captivity. V. The use of it: of great use, no doubt, it was to the pious Jews in their sufferings, furnishing them with spiritual language to express their natural grief by, helping to preserve the lively remembrance of Zion among them, and their children that never saw it, when they were in Babylon, directing their tears into the right channel (for they are here taught to mourn for sin and mourn to God), and withal encouraging their hopes that God would yet return and have mercy upon them; and it is of use to us, to affect us with godly sorrow for the calamities of the church of God, as becomes those that are living members of it and are resolved to take our lot with it.
LAMENTATIONS CHAPTER 1
..................
WE HAVE HERE THE FIRST alphabet of this lamentation, twenty-two stanzas, in which the miseries of Jerusalem are bitterly bewailed and her present deplorable condition is aggravated by comparing it with her former prosperous state; all along, sin is acknowledged and complained of as the procuring cause of all these miseries; and God is appealed to for justice against their enemies and applied to for compassion towards them. The chapter is all of a piece, and the several remonstrances are interwoven; but here is, I. A complaint made to God of their calamities, and his compassionate consideration desired (Lam 1:1-11). II. The same complaint made to their friends, and their compassionate consideration desired (Lam 1:12-17). III. An appeal to God and his righteousness concerning it (Lam 1:18-22), in which he is justified in their affliction and is humbly solicited to justify himself in their deliverance.
Lamentations 1:1
Those that have any disposition to weep with those that weep, one would think, should scarcely be able to refrain from tears at the reading of these verses, so very pathetic are the lamentations here.
I. The miseries of Jerusalem are here complained of as very pressing and by many circumstances very much aggravated. Let us take a view of these miseries.
1. As to their civil state. (1.) A city that was populous is now depopulated, Lam 1:1. It is spoken of by way of wonder-Who would have thought that ever it should come to this! Or by way of enquiry-What is it that has brought it to this? Or by way of lamentation-Alas! alas! (as Rev 18:10, Rev 18:16, Rev 18:19) how doth the city sit solitary that was full of people! She was full of her own people that replenished her, and full of the people of other nations that resorted to her, with whom she had both profitable commerce and pleasant converse; but now her own people are carried into captivity, and strangers make no court to her: she sits solitary. The chief places of the city are not now, as they used to be, place of concourse, where wisdom cried (Pro 1:20, Pro 1:21); and justly are they left unfrequented, because wisdom’s cry there was not heard. Note, Those that are ever so much increased God can soon diminish. How has she become as a widow! Her king that was, or should have been, as a husband to her, is cut off, and gone; her God has departed from her, and has given her a bill of divorce; she is emptied of her children, is solitary and sorrowful as a widow. Let no family, no state, not Jerusalem, no, nor Babylon herself, be secure, and say, I sit as a queen, and shall never sit as a widow, Isa 47:8; Rev 18:7. (2.) A city that had dominion is now in subjection. She had been great among the nations, greatly loved by some and