Bible Commentaries
Lamentations 5

Verse 1

The acrostic gives way before the outburst of emotion in prayer. The only connection with it is the number of the verses (twenty-two, corresponding with the letters of the Hebrew alphabet).

Verse 2

inheritance: i.e. Canaan.

Verse 5

Our necks are under persecution = Our pursuers are upon our necks.

persecution = pursuers.

and. Some codices, with two early printed editions and Syriac, read this "and" in the text.

have no rest = no respite was granted us.

Verse 6

given the hand. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of the Adjunct), App-6 , for voluntary submission.

Verse 7

borne. As a burden. The same word as in Isaiah 53:4 , Isaiah 53:11 .

iniquities. Hebrew. avah. App-44 .

Verse 9

We gat our bread = We brought home our bread.

lives = souls. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 . Some codices, with one early printed edition, read "souls".

sword of the wilderness. "The sword" is put, by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), for the raids and fightings of the inhabitants of the wilderness.

Verse 11

women = wives.

Verse 12

faces. Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of the Part), App-6 , for the whole person.

Verse 13

to grind: i.e. to do women's work.

children = young children, youths.

fell = staggered.

under the wood: i.e. under [the weight or load] of the wood (they were compelled as bond-slaves to carry).

Verse 17

this: ie.

this sin.

these things: i.e. loss of king, country, possessions, and liberties.

Verse 18

foxes = jackals.

Verse 19

remainest = sittest: i.e. as king.

Verse 20

dost = wilt.

Verse 21

Turn Thou us. National repentance was the one abiding condition of national blessing, and this must be Jehovah's own work.

unto Thee = unto Thyself.

Verse 22

art = hast been.

In the public reading of the Hebrew text Lamentations 5:21 is repeated after Lamentations 5:22 , so that the book may end with comfort. The same is the case with Ecclesiastes, Isaiah, and Malachi. The synagogue use appoints this book to be read on the Fast of Ab, which commemorates the destruction of Jerusalem.