Lamentations 5:6

Context of Lamentations 5:6

Lamentations 5:6 is part of the final chapter of the book of Lamentations, a communal lament over the destruction of Jerusalem and the suffering of the people of Judah following the Babylonian conquest in 586 BC. This chapter, unlike the acrostic structure of the first four, is a direct plea and prayer to God, expressing the deep humiliation, physical hardship, and spiritual anguish of the survivors. Verse 6 specifically reflects on the desperate measures the people had resorted to in their past and present plight, highlighting a history of misplaced trust and the dire consequences of their national sins.

Historically, Judah frequently sought alliances with powerful nations like Egypt and Assyria, often against the warnings of prophets like Jeremiah and Isaiah, who urged them to trust in God alone. These alliances often proved unreliable and even detrimental. The phrase "We have given the hand" harks back to a period where, out of political expediency or sheer desperation for survival, Judah sought favor or made covenants with these foreign powers, rather than relying on divine provision. The current suffering underscores the futility and tragic outcome of such reliance.

Key Themes and Messages

• Desperation and Humiliation: The verse vividly portrays a people reduced to extreme want, willing to humble themselves before former rivals or oppressors "to be satisfied with bread." This highlights the profound destitution and loss of national dignity that came with their captivity.
• Misplaced Trust and Failed Alliances: The act of "giving the hand" to Egypt and Assyria symbolizes their reliance on human strength and political maneuvering rather than on God's covenant faithfulness. This was a recurring theme in Israel's history, where seeking help from foreign nations was often condemned as a lack of faith. The current suffering is a stark reminder of the consequences of this misplaced trust.
• Consequences of Disobedience: The dire situation described in Lamentations is presented as a direct result of Judah's prolonged rebellion against God. Their reduced state, where they had to beg for basic sustenance from their enemies, fulfills prophecies of judgment for disobedience, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:48.

Linguistic Insights

• "We have given the hand": This Hebrew idiom, natannu yad (נָתַנּוּ יָד), signifies submission, surrender, making an agreement or covenant, or seeking favor. It implies a subservient posture, indicating that Judah had to humble itself, perhaps even becoming vassals, to secure basic necessities. It's a powerful image of their loss of autonomy and dignity.
• "to be satisfied with bread": This phrase underscores the basic, primal need driving their actions. "Bread" (lechem, לֶחֶם) represents fundamental sustenance. The fact that they had to resort to such humiliating measures for mere survival highlights the depth of their suffering and the complete breakdown of their society and economy.

Practical Application

Lamentations 5:6 serves as a timeless warning and a powerful lesson for believers today:

• Beware of Misplaced Trust: The verse reminds us of the futility of seeking solutions to our problems solely from worldly systems, human power, or ungodly alliances, especially when it means compromising our faith or turning away from God. When faced with desperation, the temptation to rely on anything but God can be strong.
• God as Our Ultimate Provider: Our ultimate sustenance and security come from God alone, not from political agreements, economic stability, or powerful connections. We are called to trust in the Lord with all our heart, even when circumstances are dire.
• Humility in Adversity: While the verse describes a forced humiliation, it can also prompt reflection on the humility required to acknowledge our dependence on God. Sometimes, adverse circumstances can expose where our true trust lies and drive us back to Him for genuine provision and restoration.