Lamentations 5:12

12 Our princes have been hung up by their hands. No one shows our elders any respect.

Lamentations 5:12 Meaning and Commentary

Lamentations 5:12

Princes are hanged up by their hand
According to some, as Aben Ezra observes, by the hand of the servants before mentioned; however, by the hand of the Chaldeans or Babylonians; see ( Jeremiah 52:10 ) . Some understand it of their own hands, as if they laid violent hands upon themselves, not being able to bear the hardships and disgrace they were subjected to but I should rather think this is to be understood of hanging them, not by the neck, but by the hand, could any instance be given of such a kind of punishment so early used, and by this people; which has been in other nations, and in more modern times: the faces of elders were not honoured;
no reverence or respect were shown to elders in age or office, or on account of either; but were treated with rudeness and contempt.

Lamentations 5:12 In-Context

10 Our skin is as hot as an oven. We are so hungry we're burning up with fever.

11 Our women have been raped in Zion. Our virgins have been raped in the towns of Judah.

12 Our princes have been hung up by their hands. No one shows our elders any respect.

13 Our young men are forced to grind grain at the mill. Our boys almost fall down as they carry heavy loads of wood.

14 Our elders don't go to the city gate anymore. Our young men have stopped playing their music.