Thomas Aquinas

Here is set forth the prophet's petition: and first his own prayer is set forth; second, the Lord's response, there, "Therefore, thus says the Lord." Concerning the first, three things. First he sets forth the solace of divine consolation, putting forth the divine knowledge, "You know" — what I suffer, and what I have done. "Remember," through the effect of mercy. Lam. 3: Remember my poverty and my transgression, the wormwood and the gall. He asks for consolation, "and visit me," by consoling. Job 10: Your visitation has preserved my spirit. And he excludes delay: "do not, in power." Ecclus. 5: for the Most High is a patient repayer. Second, he alleges merit, putting forth the reproach which he patiently endured for God, setting down the injury inflicted upon him; "know" — show by the effect that you know — "for your sake," while, obedient to your commands, I was announcing harsh things to the people. Ps. 68: For I have borne reproach for your sake, confusion has covered my face. And the spiritual joy of one who suffers: "they were found," as though fulfilled in deed, "and I ate," delighted in them. Ps. 118: How sweet are your words to my palate! Above honey to my mouth. Setting down also the cause: "for your name has been invoked upon me," namely, in that I am called the prophet of the Lord. Above, 14: Your name has been invoked upon us. He also sets forth the fellowship which he prudently avoided, setting down his solitude: "I did not sit in the assembly of those who jest," much less of the wicked, lest I lay aside the gravity of my heart, and so that I might devote myself to your commands. Tob. 3: I have never mingled myself with those who jest, nor made myself a participant with those who walk in levity. Setting down his interior exaltation: "and I gloried because of your hand," the hand that corrects. 2 Cor. 12: I will gladly glory in my infirmities. Or, the hand that consoles with spiritual gifts. Setting down also the reason for his solitude: "I sat alone, because you have filled me with threatening," as if to say: I was so oppressed with bitterness that I had no leisure to jest. Lam. 3: He has filled me with bitterness. Third, he marvels at the sting of the inflicted pain, setting down the pain: "why has my pain become perpetual?" As if to say: how is it that, after so many prayers, after so many merits, the tribulation does not withdraw? Below, 30: Your fracture is incurable, your wound most grievous. According to the Jews, he speaks in the person of Jerusalem. And he adds a consolation: "it has become to me like the lie of unfaithful waters"; as if to say: in this, nevertheless, I shall be consoled, that such straits will soon pass away, like unfaithful waters that are gathered from the rains. Ps. 68: The waters have come in even unto my soul. Or he says this because of the deceit of his adversaries.