Lamentations 3:28-30

He sitteth alone and keepeth silence, because he hath borne it upon him. He ... keepeth silence - the fruit of true docility and patience. He does not fight against the yoke, "as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke" (; ), but accommodates himself to it.

Alone. The pagan applauded magnaminity; but they looked to display of stoical patience before the world, and the praise of men. The child of God, in the absence of any witness, "alone," silently submits to the will of God. Because he hath borne it upon him - i:e., because he is used to bearing it on him. Rather, 'because He (the Lord, ) hath laid it on him' (Vatablus).

Verse 29. He putteth his mouth in the dust - (). The mouth in the dust is the attitude of suppliant and Verse 29. He putteth his mouth in the dust - (). The mouth in the dust is the attitude of suppliant and humble submission to God's dealings as righteous and loving in design (cf. , "O my God, I am ashamed, and blush to lift up my face to thee;" ).

If so be there may be hope. This does not express doubt as to whether GOD be willing to receive the penitent's doubt as to himself; he whispers to himself this consolation, "Perhaps there may be hope for me."

Verse 30. He giveth his cheek to him that smiteth him. Messiah, the antitype, fulfilled this; His practice agreeing with His precept (, "I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair;" ). Many take patiently afflictions from God, but when man wrongs them they take it impatiently. The godly bear resignedly the latter, like the former, as sent by God ().

[Kaph (k)]