Lamentations 3:44

44 Samech. Thou hast set a cloud before thee, that our prayer may not pass through.

Lamentations 3:44 Meaning and Commentary

Lamentations 3:44

Thou hast covered thyself with a cloud
With wrath and anger, as a cloud; he wrapped up himself in thick darkness, so as not to be seen or come at: sin, when it appears not pardoned, is as a cloud between God and his people; and this causes him to show his anger and displeasure; which is the cloud about him, Or the hiding of his face. The Targum is,

``thou hast covered the heavens with the clouds of thy glory:''

that [our] prayer should not pass through;
in such circumstances God seems to his people to be inexorable; and not a God hearing and answering prayer, as he is; as if there was no access unto him, or audience to be had of him, or acceptance of persons and prayers with him; whereas the throne of grace is always open and accessible: and there is a new and living way for believers always to approach unto God in; he is on a mercy seat, ready to receive and hear their prayers.

Lamentations 3:44 In-Context

42 Nun. We have done wickedly, and provoked thee to wrath: therefore thou art inexorable.

43 Samech. Thou hast covered in thy wrath, and hast struck us: thou hast killed and hast not spared.

44 Samech. Thou hast set a cloud before thee, that our prayer may not pass through.

45 Samech. Thou hast made me as an outcast, and refuse in the midst of the people.

46 Phe. All our enemies have opened their mouths against us.