He gives his cheek to him that strikes him: he is filled full with reproach.
All Commentaries on Lamentations 3:30 Go To Lamentations 3
Thomas Aquinas
AD 1274
The condition of the person expecting is evaluated. First, regarding a height for contemplation: "Let him sit alone in silence when he has laid it on him." Namely, that he be not impeded by turmoil within thought. Since, through such turmoil,"he had laid it on him." That is, for a consideration of divine favors. As Hosea, the prophet concludes: "Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her." (Hos: 2:14). Besides, there is displayed turmoil through a rejection of the person expecting, while such a one awaits. It says: "Let him sit alone in silence." Since, cast aside: "when he has laid it on him."
Second, the condition of the person expecting refers to humbleness of location. Saying: "Let him put his mouth in the dustthere may yet be hope." Namely, while humbly speaking. Since Isaiah 29:4 reflects: "Then deep from the earth you shall speak, from low in the dust your words shall come."
Third, the condition of the person expecting can refer to their patience in tribulation. As expressed: "Let him give his cheek to the smiter, and be filled with insults." That is, be prepared to give: "his cheek to the smiter". For the Apostle Matthew states: "but if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." (Mt: 5:39). Also: "and be filled with insults". Namely, a person should delight, as if being spared some fault by his own action. For, St Paul exclaims to the Romans: "More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance". (Rorn: 5:3). And Isaiah 50:6 asserts: "I gave my 'back to the smiters, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard."
