Commentary on Lamentations

Clement of Alexandria (150–215)

Bringing someone to his senses is censure, which makes one think. And he does not abstain from this form of instruction either, but says by Jeremiah, "How long shall I cry, and you not hear? So your ears are uncircumcised." O blessed forbearance! And again, by the same: "All the heathen are uncircumcised, but this people is uncircumcised in heart," "for the people are disobedient children," he says, "in whom faith does not exist." … Bewailing one's fate is latent censure and artfully helps to bring salvation, albeit under stealth. He made use of this by Jeremiah: "How did the city sit solitary that was full of people! She that ruled over territories became as a widow; she came under tribute; weeping, she wept in the night." … In the end, the system God pursues to inspire fear is the source of salvation. And it is the prerogative of goodness to save: "The mercy of the Lord is on all flesh, while he reproves, corrects and teaches as a shepherd does his flock. He pities those who receive his instruction and those who eagerly seek union with him." … "For according to the greatness of his mercy, so is his rebuke." For it is indeed noble not to sin, but it is good also for the sinner to…

See also

• More works by Clement of Alexandria

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