Lamentations 3:32-34
The Voice
32 Kindness prevails: Even though God torments sometimes,
the greatness of God’s loyal love wins out.
33 Keeping us down: it is not the desire or way of God’s heart
to hurt and grieve the children of men.
Hope is realized when the next generation of exiles in Babylonia receive God’s mercy and are brought back to the promised land, Palestine, in a second exodus, a journey not unlike what the Israelites experienced as they left Egypt under Moses’ leadership.
God surely causes grief and torment, but He also provides kindness that originates from His heart of compassion. The discipline administered by the heavenly Father hurts, but the pain is not lasting and actually reflects His compassion. When the Lord sends affliction, it is instructive, restorative, and temporary. Affliction and judgment may sometimes come from the Almighty, but what always springs from the heart of God is a deep and eternal mercy for His people.
34 Left as captives of the land
to be stomped on and crushed,
Lamentations 3:32-34
New International Version
32 Though he brings grief, he will show compassion,
so great is his unfailing love.(A)
33 For he does not willingly bring affliction
or grief to anyone.(B)
34 To crush underfoot
all prisoners in the land,
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