We lie down in our shame; we are perplexed and confounded within ourselves; we are such a reproach, both to God and man, that we cannot but lift up our hands for shame, even we, that had once a whore’s forehead, Jer_3:3, but must lie down in our shame; an expression to set forth tho greatness of their repentance and sorrow; as one in great perplexity, not knowing what to do, throws himself down upon his couch or bed, 1Ki_21:4.
Our confusion covereth us; a metaphor from persons muffled up in the bed-clothes, as ashamed to be seen: the like expression Psa_44:15.
We and our fathers this notes the universality of their sins, the whole generation of us, like fathers, like children. True confession wraps up our own and others’ sins, Ezr_9:7Neh_9:33,34 Psa 106:6,7 Jer 14:20, and keeps us from all excuse by others’ examples, 2Ki_17:41, which gross guilt of theirs in this kind is described Jer_44:17.
From our youth even unto this day: as the former sets forth the universality of their sins, so this the continuance of them, Deu_9:72Ki_17:34,41.