Lamentations 5:6: "We have given the hand to the Egyptians, and to the Assyrians, to be satisfied with bread."

Verse Overview

This poignant verse from Lamentations captures a moment of deep lamentation and sorrow, reflecting the plight of the people of Israel in exile. They are acknowledging their dire circumstances and their dependence on foreign powers for sustenance.

• State of Dependence: The phrase "We have given the hand" symbolizes a relinquishing of agency, indicating that the people are reaching out to, and depending on, two significant empires: Egypt and Assyria.
• Spiritual Reflection: Commentary highlights how this dependence can be seen in a spiritual light, where the people have turned away from God and sought help from worldly powers.
• Historical Context: This passage is set in a time when the Jewish people were experiencing the consequences of sin, specifically the neglect of their covenant with God.
• Seeking Satisfaction: The mention of bread symbolizes not only physical sustenance but also a deeper longing for spiritual nourishment, indicative of the unfulfilled needs of the soul.

Biblical Commentary Insights

Matthew Henry elaborates that this verse demonstrates the misery of the Israelites post-exile, as they had to rely on their oppressors. The act of seeking bread from Egypt and Assyria is reminiscent of their historical reliance on these nations when lacking faith in God's providence.

Albert Barnes notes the symbolism in the two nations mentioned. Egypt represents bondage and oppression, while Assyria represents aggression and warfare. The request for "bread" signifies the basic human need for survival, which they squandered by placing their hope in these enemies of their nation.

Adam Clarke explains further that in desperate times, the people have turned to these nations for help, illustrating the depth of their desperation and the extent of their fall from grace as a chosen people.

Spiritual Applications

This scripture can serve as a profound reminder of the dangers of depending solely on worldly powers rather than seeking God's provision. It challenges believers today to reflect on where they find their sustenance and support.

• Idolatry of Self-Reliance: Just as the Israelites sought help from Egypt and Assyria, modern believers may find themselves looking to materialism or societal validation.
• Call to Return to God: This verse serves as an exhortation to turn back to God for provision, emphasizing His role as the ultimate source of nourishment.
• Understanding Our Needs: It also raises questions about the nature of our needs—are we merely looking for physical sustenance or something deeper and spiritual?

Cross References

• Isaiah 30:1-3: Woe to the rebellious children who take counsel but not of Me!
• Jeremiah 2:18: Asking, "Why do you take the road to Egypt?"
• Psalm 146:3: Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men who cannot save.

Conclusion

Lamentations 5:6 serves as an urgent reminder to focus our dependence on God rather than seeking satisfaction from transient or oppressive sources. Engaging deeply with this verse can enrich one's Bible study and offer profound insights into the nature of reliance, community, and God’s everlasting provision.