ESV Reformation Study Bible – Lam 3:39
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Lam 3:39

3:39 Since all things take place by the word of the Lord, no living man can complain when God brings calamity as punishment for sin.

the punishment of his sins. The sin of the people is an important part of the prophet’s answer to the problem of judgment and affliction (dreadful though God’s judgment is, 2:20–22). The phrase in Hebrew implies that sin and consequent punishment belong inescapably together.