What consequences arise from seeking help from Egypt and Assyria in Lamentations 5:6? Setting the Verse in Context Lamentations 5:6: “We have submitted to Egypt and Assyria to get enough bread.” • Jeremiah is describing Jerusalem’s survivors admitting how they ran to longtime adversaries—Egypt to the southwest and Assyria to the northeast—for aid instead of turning to the LORD. • These alliances were not mere diplomacy; they were acts of trust that displaced reliance on God’s covenant promises. Immediate Historical Fallout • Broken supply lines: Despite “submitting,” Judah still starved (Lamentations 5:10). Foreign help proved empty. • Economic exploitation: Egypt and Assyria demanded heavy tribute (2 Kings 23:33–35; 2 Kings 18:14). • Political humiliation: Vassal status stripped Judah of freedom (2 Chron 36:3-4). • Military disaster: False security lulled leaders into ignoring God’s warnings, ending in Babylon’s siege and exile (Jeremiah 37:5-10). Spiritual Consequences Highlighted in Scripture • Alienation from God – Isaiah 30:1-3: “Woe to the rebellious children… to seek shelter in the shadow of Egypt… Egypt’s help will be in vain.” – Hosea 7:11-13: Ephraim “calls to Egypt, they go to Assyria,” and the LORD pronounces, “Woe to them!” • Broken covenant protection – Deuteronomy 28:1-14 promised blessing for obedience; 28:47-57 warned that foreign nations would oppress if Israel looked elsewhere. • Moral compromise – Alliances required adopting foreign idols and practices (2 Kings 17:4, 33). • Loss of prophetic vision – Trusting human power muted the voice of God’s prophets (Jeremiah 26:7-11). Long-Term National Results • Exile: Babylon carried Judah away (2 Chron 36:17-20). Egypt and Assyria offered no rescue when Babylon arrived. • Scattered identity: Depending on pagan nations blurred God-given distinctiveness (Ezra 9:1-2). • Generational grief: Lamentations itself is the record of children paying for parents’ misplaced trust (Lamentations 5:7). Timeless Lessons for Believers • Reliance on human systems over God always backfires. • Temporary relief that ignores covenant truth brings deeper bondage. • Spiritual adultery—seeking protection or provision outside the LORD—invites discipline (James 4:4). • True security lies in humble repentance and renewed trust in the Lord alone (Psalm 20:7; Proverbs 3:5-6). |
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