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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
It is certain that there will be no patience, except there be hope, as it has already appeared. As, then, patience cherishes hope, so hope is the foundation of patience; and hence consolation is, according to Paul, connected with patience. (Rom_15:4.) And this is the doctrine which the Prophet now handles, — that the faithful bear the yoke with meek and calm minds, because they believe that God will at length be propitious to them: hence also arises patience; for the faithful are persuaded that all adversities are temporary, and that there will be a happy end, because God will at length be reconciled to them, though he gives them new evidences of his wrath. (189) The rest to-morrow.
(189) This verse is connected with Lam_3:25 : “ is Jehovah to him who waits for him;” and the reason is given here, “ not reject perpetually (or, for ever) will the Lord.” “” as assigning a reason, is here repeated three times, in this verse and in the two following verses; and they seem all to be reasons given for the truth contained in Lam_3:25,
31.For not reject perpetually
Will the Lord:
32.For though he afflicts, yet he will shew compassion
According to the multitude of his mercies:
33.For he does not depress from his heart,
Nor afflict the children of men.
All these particulars explain and elucidate the truth, that God is good. “ his heart,” does not mean “” but at his will, that is, arbitrarily, without reason, but when constrained by man’ wickedness. — Ed.