Lamentations 5:6

6 We held out a hand to Egypt and to Assyria, to get sufficient food.

Lamentations 5:6 Meaning and Commentary

Lamentations 5:6

We have given our hand [to] the Egyptians
Either by way of supplication, to beg bread of them; or by way of covenant and agreement; or to testify subjection to them, in order to be supplied with food: many of the Jews went into Egypt upon the taking of the city, ( Jeremiah 43:5-7 ) ; [and to] the Assyrians, to be satisfied with bread;
among whom many of the captives were dispersed; since from hence they are said to be returned, as well as from Egypt, ( Isaiah 11:16 ) .

Lamentations 5:6 In-Context

4 We drink our own water—but for a price; we gather our own wood—but pay for it.

5 Our hunters have been at our necks; we are worn out, but have no rest.

6 We held out a hand to Egypt and to Assyria, to get sufficient food.

7 Our fathers have sinned and are gone, but we are burdened with their iniquities.

8 Slaves rule over us; there is no one to rescue us from their power.