Lamentations 3:42

42 ¹“We have transgressed and ²rebelled, and you have not forgiven.

Lamentations 3:42 Meaning and Commentary

Lamentations 3:42

We have transgressed, and have rebelled
Here begins the prayer, the sense of which is directed to, though the words are not dictated; and it begins with confession of sin, as prayer should, especially when in such circumstances as the people of the Jews now were; and with confession of it, as a transgression of the law of God; and as rebellion against him, as every sin is, a breach of his law, a contempt of his authority, and a trampling under foot his legislative power, and an act of hostility against him; and so downright rebellion; every sin being an overt act of that kind; and which is aggravated by the favours before acknowledged to have been received: thou hast not pardoned;
as they apprehended; they had not the discovery and application of pardoning grace and mercy; otherwise pardon of sin with God is past, and includes all sin present and future, as well as past; but temporal afflictions being upon them, they concluded their sins were not pardoned; pardon of sin in Scripture often signifying the removal of such afflictions.

Lamentations 3:42 In-Context

40 Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord!

41 Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven:

42 “We have transgressed and rebelled, and you have not forgiven.

43 “You have wrapped yourself with anger and pursued us, killing without pity;

44 you have wrapped yourself with a cloud so that no prayer can pass through.

Cross References

• 1. 3:42 See Dan. 9:5
• 2. 3:42 Ps. 78:17