Lamentations 4:2-12 The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, how are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter!… 1. The greatest reputation that man can attain unto in this life, is an uncertain estate, and easily taken away (Psalm 49:12). (1) Reasons. (a) There is no certainty in anything under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:2). (b) God setteth up, and putteth down, at His pleasure (Daniel 4:29). (c) He that useth his prosperous estate best, deserveth continually to have it taken from him. (2) Use: to teach us not to admire the glorious estate of man that is in honour, seeing it is most fickle; not to set our hearts upon anything we enjoy in this world, but to use the things thereof as if we used them not. 2. Those whom God hath advanced in authority above others, are to be reverenced and honoured above others. (1) They represent the person of God Himself. (2) They have that power and authority which should work a reverent fear and awe of them in the hearts of others. 3. It is a worthy thing in great men to be adorned with good qualities, so far exceeding others as their calling is above them. (1) They shall be the more able to carry themselves aright in their place. (2) They shall procure the greater reverence unto their place thereby. 4. It is marvellous in the judgment of flesh and blood to see a man of highest estimation come to be of the basest account. (J. Udall.) Parallel Verses KJV: The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, how are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter! |
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