Lamentations 5:6
We have given the hand to the Egyptians, and to the Assyrians, to be satisfied with bread.
Original Language Analysis
נָתַ֣נּוּ
We have given
H5414
נָתַ֣נּוּ
We have given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
2 of 6
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
יָ֔ד
the hand
H3027
יָ֔ד
the hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
3 of 6
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
אַשּׁ֖וּר
and to the Assyrians
H804
אַשּׁ֖וּר
and to the Assyrians
Strong's:
H804
Word #:
4 of 6
ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire
Cross References
Hosea 9:3They shall not dwell in the LORD'S land; but Ephraim shall return to Egypt, and they shall eat unclean things in Assyria.Hosea 12:1Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he daily increaseth lies and desolation; and they do make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt.Jeremiah 2:36Why gaddest thou about so much to change thy way? thou also shalt be ashamed of Egypt, as thou wast ashamed of Assyria.Jeremiah 2:18And now what hast thou to do in the way of Egypt, to drink the waters of Sihor? or what hast thou to do in the way of Assyria, to drink the waters of the river?Genesis 24:2And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh:Hosea 7:11Ephraim also is like a silly dove without heart: they call to Egypt, they go to Assyria.Hosea 5:13When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound, then went Ephraim to the Assyrian, and sent to king Jareb: yet could he not heal you, nor cure you of your wound.
Historical Context
Post-exile, some fled to Egypt (Jeremiah 42-43), others under Persian rule. Scattered and dependent.
Questions for Reflection
- What Egypt or Assyria do we turn to when provision seems insufficient?
- Why would submitting to Egypt and Assyria (former enemies) be necessary for basic survival?
- What does this humiliation teach about the consequences of rejecting God's protection?
Analysis & Commentary
Submitting to Egypt and Assyria for bread. Seeking help from former enemies. Desperate alliances.