George Leo Haydock

Because I was silent, &c. That is, whilst I kept silence, by concealing, or refusing to confess my sins, thy hand was heavy upon me, &c. (Challoner) — The cry was then only an effect of vanity, like that of the Pharisee, full of his own merits; (St. Augustine; St. Jerome; Calmet) or David was silent till Nathan made him know his fault, which he afterwards ceased not to deplore. (Theodoret) — It is supposed that he had continued impenitent for above a year. But he might fell remorse during that time, ver. 5. (Berthier) — Cried. Hebrew, “roared,” like a lion. (Calmet) — Because I acknowledged not my grievous sins, I was much afflicted. I prayed, but to little purpose. (Worthington) — Wishing to conceal the cause of my grief, (Calmet) I pined away, (Haydock; Lamentations iii. 4.) and suffered greatly, because I did not confess. (Menochius)