Lamentations 5:5-15

5 We are closely pursued; we are tired, and no one offers us rest.
6 We made a treaty with[a] 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;[b] no one rescues [us] from their hands.
9 We secure our food at the risk of our lives because of the sword in the wilderness.
10 Our skin is as hot[c] as an oven from the ravages of hunger.
11 Women are raped in Zion, virgins in the cities of Judah.
12 Princes are hung up by their hands; elders are shown no respect.
13 Young men labor at millstones;[d] boys stumble under [loads of] wood.
14 The elders have left the city gate, the young men, their music.
15 Joy has left our hearts; our dancing has turned to mourning.

Lamentations 5:5-15 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO LAMENTATIONS 5

In this chapter are reckoned up the various calamities and distresses of the Jews in Babylon, which the Lord is desired to remember and consider, La 5:1-16; their great concern for the desolation of the temple in particular is expressed, La 5:17,18; and the chapter is concluded with a prayer that God would show favour to them, and turn them to him, and renew their prosperity as of old, though he had rejected them, and been wroth with them, La 5:19-22.

Footnotes 4

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