Lamentations 3:42

42 We have sinned, we have transgressed; and thou hast not pardoned.

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 NUN. Our way has been searched out and examined, and we will turn to the Lord.

41 Let us lift up our hearts with hand to the lofty One in heaven.

42 We have sinned, we have transgressed; and thou hast not pardoned.

43 SAMECH. Thou has visited in wrath, and driven us away: thou has slain, thou has not pitied.

44 Thou hast veiled thyself with a cloud because of prayer, that I might be blind,