Lamentations 5:6

6 We made a treaty with^[a] Egypt and with Assyria, to get enough 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 must pay for the water we drink; our wood comes at a price.

5 We are closely pursued; we are tired, and no one offers us rest.

6 We made a treaty with Egypt and with Assyria, to get enough food.

7 Our fathers sinned; they no longer exist, but we bear their punishment.

8 Slaves rule over us; no one rescues [us] from their hands.

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit We gave the hand to