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Lamentations 5:1 open_in_new
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).
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Lamentations 5:2 open_in_new
inheritance: i.e. Canaan.
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Lamentations 5:5 open_in_new
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.
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Lamentations 5:6 open_in_new
given the hand. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of the Adjunct), App-6, for voluntary submission.
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Lamentations 5:7 open_in_new
borne. As. burden. The same word as in Isaiah 53:4; Isaiah 53:11.
iniquities. Hebrew. avah. App-44.
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Lamentations 5:9 open_in_new
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.
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Lamentations 5:11 open_in_new
women. wives.
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Lamentations 5:12 open_in_new
faces. Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of the Part), App-6, for the whole person.
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Lamentations 5:13 open_in_new
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).
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Lamentations 5:17 open_in_new
this: ie.
this sin.
these things: i.e. loss of king, country, possessions, and liberties.
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Lamentations 5:18 open_in_new
foxes. jackals.
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Lamentations 5:19 open_in_new
remainest. sittest: i.e. as king.
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Lamentations 5:20 open_in_new
dost. wilt.
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Lamentations 5:21 open_in_new
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.
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Lamentations 5:22 open_in_new
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.