Thomas Aquinas Commentary Lamentations 3:40-42

"Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to Jehovah. Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens. We have transgressed and have rebelled; thou hast not pardoned." — Lamentations 3:40-42 (ASV)

Now, having gained confidence, he begins to implore divine mercy. In this regard, he does two things.

First, he presents the preparation for prayer.

Second, the prayer itself begins at the phrase we have done wickedly (Lamentations 3:42).

Regarding the first point, the preparation for prayer, he does two things.

First, a place for prayer is prepared through the reform of one's life: let us search our ways by inspecting our past sins; and let us seek the Lord with heartfelt desire; and, having asked for and received help, let us return by acting well. See your ways in the valley, know what you have done (Jeremiah 2:23).

Second, the place is prepared by devotion: let us lift up our hearts. As the Apostle writes, I will therefore that men pray in every place, lifting up pure hands (1 Timothy 2:8).

At the phrase We have done wickedly, the prayer begins. In it, he first seeks to gain goodwill; second, he declares their fault, at you have seen, O LORD, their iniquity (Lamentations 3:59); and third, he calls for vengeance, at you shall render them a recompense (Lamentations 3:64).

Regarding the first point, gaining goodwill, he does three things.

First, he gains goodwill for himself and the lamenting people.

Second, he does so in relation to their adversaries, at the phrase all our enemies have opened their mouths against us (Lamentations 3:46).

Third, he does so in relation to the judge, at the phrase I have called upon your name, O LORD (Lamentations 3:55).

He gains goodwill for himself and the people by describing their misfortunes. Therefore, regarding this first point, he does two things.

First, he describes the affliction of the people.

Second, he describes his own compassion, beginning at my eye is afflicted (Lamentations 3:49).

Regarding the first of these, the people's affliction, he does two things.

First, he confesses their fault, so that the punishment that follows will not be attributed to the judge's cruelty. He confesses that they have acted wickedly by sinning against their neighbor and have provoked you to wrath by sinning against God. As a result, you are inexorable, because you are not turning to our prayers. As Scripture says, Therefore, do you not pray for this people, and do not take up praise and prayer for them: for I will not hear them (Jeremiah 11:14). For, God does not hear sinners: but if a man be a server of God, him he hears (John 9:31).

Second, he describes their sin.