Lecture 13

^1:13^ Mem. From above he has sent fire into my bones, and has chastised me: he has spread a net for my feet, he has turned me back: he has made me forsaken, wasted with sorrow all the day long.

13. Here he presents the severity of the discipline, inasmuch as he educated them like a schoolmaster by harsh punishments.

And first, he presents the severity in correcting sins committed: from above, that is, in his high council; he has sent fire of affliction, or literal fire, by which the city and camp were burned; into my bones, that is, in her strong places and fortifications; and so by painful lashes he has chastised me. And vexation alone shall make you understand what you hear (Isa 28:19).

Second, he shows severity in caring for the future: he has spread a net, that is, an obstacle by which he diverted them from sin*. I will hedge up your way with thorns* (Hos 2:6).

Third, he shows severity in suppressing the benefits of consolation: he has made me forsaken, as if to say, “He gave no consolation after the lashes,” as a schoolmaster usually does with children. God has brought upon me great mourning (Bar 4:9).