Lamentations 5:6

We have given the hand to the Egyptians, and to the Assyrians, to be satisfied with bread.

Lamentations 5:6 (KJV)

Context

Lamentations is a poetic book in the Old Testament, traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, mourning the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the Israelites. In Lamentations 5:6, the people lament that they have been forced to give their hand to the Egyptians and the Assyrians for bread. This verse symbolizes the dire circumstances and extreme poverty faced by the Israelites during their exile.

To understand this verse, consider the historical context. The Assyrians and Egyptians were powerful nations of the time, and both had influenced Israel’s fate through military attacks and political alliances. This verse indicates that Israel had to submit to these nations to obtain the basic necessity of bread, highlighting their desperate condition.

Meaning

The phrase “given the hand” is an idiom that can mean to submit, to make a covenant, or to beg for help. In their desperate state, the people were so destitute that they were forced to humble themselves before former enemies—Egypt and Assyria—to obtain basic food. This was a profound reversal of their former status and a sign of their degradation. Offering one’s hand in submission signifies an act of humility and subjugation. By reaching out to these nations, Israel had to acknowledge their weakness and vulnerability, underscoring the humiliation experienced as a consequence of their disobedience to God’s commandments.

Biblical connections

The mention of Egypt and Assyria recalls Israel’s historical tendency to seek alliances with these nations rather than trusting in God, a pattern condemned by the prophets. The people acknowledge their dependence on foreign powers for survival, which was a consequence of their disobedience. This verse is part of a prayer that confesses the nation’s sin and pleads for restoration.

Application

Beyond the historical context, this verse carries a spiritual lesson. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of straying from God’s ways. The Israelites’ reliance on foreign powers instead of relying on God reveals their lack of trust in God’s provision. It warns against seeking solutions outside of God’s will and commandments. The people’s cry for bread highlights their physical need, but it also points to a deeper spiritual need for God’s mercy and deliverance. The verse is a call to recognize the futility of human alliances and to return to dependence on God alone.

Reflection

Overall, Lamentations 5:6 portrays the distressing state of the Israelites during their exile, their dependency on foreign powers, and the consequences of their disobedience. It highlights the importance of remaining faithful to God and trusting in His provision rather than seeking temporary solutions in worldly powers.