Lamentations 5:8
Servants have ruled over us: there is none that doth deliver us out of their hand.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Nehemiah 5:15But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.Zechariah 11:6For I will no more pity the inhabitants of the land, saith the LORD: but, lo, I will deliver the men every one into his neighbour's hand, and into the hand of his king: and they shall smite the land, and out of their hand I will not deliver them.Psalms 7:2Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver.Proverbs 30:22For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat;
Historical Context
Babylonian officials, often former slaves, ruled over Judean nobility in exile.
Questions for Reflection
- How does inverted social order demonstrate sovereignty over hierarchies?
- What is the spiritual significance of being ruled by servants (those of lower status)?
- How does this role reversal express the depth of Judah's degradation and powerlessness?
Analysis & Commentary
Slaves rule over us, none delivers. Ultimate indignity—ruled by those who should be servants.