A sorrowful appeal to the Divine compassion.
The conclusion of the public united confession. It contains—
I. AN APPROPRIATE INVOCATION. Similar to that of Nehemiah (Nehemiah 1:5), and which would be felt as suitable after the preceding recital of the Divine proceedings.
II. AN APPEAL TO THE DIVINE PITY. In view of—
1. The greatness of their past troubles (verse 32). "Let not all the trouble seem little." "Do not regard it as too little to require notice and relief. Rather see how great it is, and bring it in mercy to an end." Perhaps, however, the meaning is, "Let it be deemed sufficient to answer the design of punishment, and therefore be now terminated" (comp. Isaiah 40:2).
2. Their present depressed condition (verses 36-37). A condition of subjection to the Gentiles, of spoliation, and of "great distress."
III. AN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF DIVINE JUSTICE IN THEIR TREATMENT (verses 33-35).
IV. A DECLARATION OF THEIR MAKING A SOLEMN AND FAITHFUL UNITED COVENANT. A fitting conclusion of the day's proceedings. In conclusion—
1. The justice of God in inflicting chastisement should be heartily acknowledged by those who implore its cessation or mitigation.
2. Review of our past lives is adapted to and should excite humiliation, penitence, and resolutions of amendment. Therefore—
"Tis greatly wise to talk with our past hours,
And ask them what report they bore to heaven,
And how they might have borne more welcome news."