Lamentations 5:1-9

1 Lord, think about what has happened to us. Look at the shame our enemies have brought on us.

2 The land you gave us has been turned over to outsiders. Our homes have been given to strangers.

3 Our fathers have been killed. Our mothers don't have husbands.

4 We have to buy the water we drink. We have to pay for the wood we use.

5 Those who chase us are right behind us. We're tired. We can't get any rest.

6 We put ourselves under the control of Egypt and Assyria just to get enough bread.

7 Our people before us sinned. And they are now dead. We are being punished because of their sins.

8 Slaves rule over us. No one can set us free from their powerful hands.

9 We put our lives in danger just to get some bread to eat. Robbers in the desert might kill us with their swords.

Lamentations 5:1-9 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.