He was unto me as a bear lying in wait, and as a lion in secret places.
Harsh language, yes, but terror at God's wrath so gripped Jeremiah that he could not express the atrocity of his calamity any other way. We must not make a rule of religion from the complaints of holy men when pressed down by His hand; their minds were confused, and intemperate words fell from them. Yet their weakness shows us our own.
AI summary
God is angry with His own people, yet it comes as a rod to correct, not a sword to destroy. Walk in darkness though we may, we must not quarrel with affliction, for His anger is just and His chastening, though grievous now, mixed with mercy.
AI summary
Commenting on Lamentations 3:1-20
The Chaldeans were to the Jews as a bear seizing prey and tearing it to pieces, or a lion lurking in secret places to take every advantage against whatever creature passes by. God permitted them to become instruments of His wrath.
AI summary