Matthew Henry's Complete Bible Commentary

Lamentations 5

This chapter, though it has the same number of verses with the 1^st, 2^nd, and 4^th, is not alphabetical, as they were, but the scope of it is the same with that of all the foregoing elegies. We have in it, I. A representation of the present calamitous state of God’s people in their captivity, Lamentations 5:1-5:16. II. A protestation of their concern for God’s sanctuary, as that which lay nearer their heart than any secular interest of their own, Lamentations 5:17, 5:18. III. A humble supplication to God and expostulation with him, for the returns of mercy (Lamentations 5:19-5:22); for those that lament and do not pray sin in their lamentations. Some ancient versions call this chapter, “The Prayer of Jeremiah.” MHBCC 803.1