Expository Outlines Lamentations 3:31-36 For the LORD will not cast off for ever:… I. A CHEERING ASSURANCE GIVEN. 1. That God's abandonment of His people is only temporary. 2. That the favour with which he will visit them will be signal and abundant. II. AN IMPORTANT REASON ADDUCED. "For He doth not afflict willingly," etc. This may be inferred from, 1. His character. He is a God of love. 2. The relationship He sustains to His people. He is their Father. 3. Their sufferings are attended with many alleviations. Had He any pleasure in punishing us, so much mercy would not be mingled with judgment. 4. The object He has in view in afflicting His children. It is for their profit, that they might be partakers of His holiness. 5. His readiness to remove His chastening hand when the visitation has answered the end intended. III. A GRACIOUS LIMITATION SUBJOINED. "To crush under His feet all the prisoners of the earth, to turn aside the right of a man," etc. Whenever He afflicts, it is — 1. Within the bounds of moderation. To "crush," expresses what is extreme and destructive (Isaiah 27:8; Jeremiah 10:24; Jeremiah 46:28). 2. Never in violation of the principles of equity. "To subvert a man in his cause, the Lord approveth not." He is the righteous Lord, that loveth righteousness, and all He doeth is in accordance therewith. (Expository Outlines.) Parallel Verses KJV: For the Lord will not cast off for ever: |
    |