3:33 doth not afflict willingly. This verse concludes the middle triplet of the middle chapter of Lamentations. Thus this triplet (Lamentations 3:31-33) appropriately constitutes the central theme of the whole book. God is “not willing that any should perish” (II Peter 3:9), but must lovingly chastise those of His people who rebel against His word. But “He will not always chide” (Psalm 103:9).