Lamentations 5:9

We get our bread at the risk of our lives because of the sword in the wilderness.

Study Bible

We get our bread
This phrase highlights the basic human need for sustenance and the struggle to obtain it. In the Hebrew context, "bread" (לֶחֶם, lechem) often symbolizes not just physical nourishment but also spiritual sustenance. The Israelites' dependence on God for daily provision is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, as seen in the manna provided during the Exodus (Exodus 16). Here, the struggle to obtain bread underscores the dire circumstances faced by the people of Jerusalem during the Babylonian siege, reflecting a broader spiritual desolation and a cry for divine intervention.

at the risk of our lives
This phrase conveys the extreme danger and peril involved in performing even the most basic tasks. The Hebrew word for "risk" (בְּנַפְשֵׁנוּ, benafshenu) can be translated as "with our lives," indicating that the act of securing food is life-threatening. This reflects the historical context of the Babylonian siege, where venturing outside the city walls could result in death. It serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerability and fragility of human life, emphasizing the need for reliance on God's protection and provision.

because of the sword
The "sword" (חֶרֶב, cherev) is a symbol of violence, war, and destruction. In the context of Lamentations, it represents the Babylonian military threat that loomed over Jerusalem. The sword is a recurring biblical motif for divine judgment, as seen in passages like Ezekiel 21:3-5. Here, it underscores the consequences of the nation's disobedience and the severity of God's judgment, while also pointing to the hope of eventual restoration and peace through repentance and faithfulness.

in the wilderness
The "wilderness" (בַּמִּדְבָּר, bamidbar) evokes images of desolation, danger, and testing. Biblically, the wilderness is a place of both trial and divine encounter, as seen in the Israelites' 40-year journey in the desert (Numbers 14:33-34). In Lamentations, it symbolizes the harsh conditions and isolation faced by the people. Yet, it also serves as a backdrop for potential renewal and transformation, reminding readers of God's past faithfulness and the possibility of future redemption through steadfast faith and obedience.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
- Traditionally attributed as the author of Lamentations, Jeremiah was a prophet who witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem and expressed deep sorrow and lament over the city's downfall.

2. Jerusalem
- The city that was besieged and destroyed by the Babylonians, leading to the suffering and lamentation expressed in this book.

3. Babylonian Siege
- The event where the Babylonians captured Jerusalem, leading to severe famine, destruction, and exile of the Jewish people.

4. The Wilderness
- Represents the dangerous and desolate areas surrounding Jerusalem, where obtaining food became life-threatening due to enemy presence.

5. The Sword
- Symbolizes the threat of violence and death faced by the people of Jerusalem during and after the siege.

Teaching Points

Dependence on God in Times of Crisis
The verse highlights the desperation and danger faced by the people, reminding us of the importance of relying on God during our own times of crisis.

Consequences of Disobedience
The suffering described is a direct result of the nation's disobedience to God, serving as a warning to remain faithful to His commands.

The Reality of Suffering
Acknowledges that suffering and hardship are real and present in the world, encouraging believers to seek God’s presence and comfort amidst trials.

Community Support and Prayer
Encourages believers to support one another in times of need and to pray for those who are suffering, reflecting the communal aspect of faith.

Hope in God's Restoration
While the verse depicts a dire situation, it is part of a larger account that ultimately points to God’s faithfulness and the hope of restoration.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the context of Lamentations 5:9 help us understand the severity of the situation faced by the people of Jerusalem?

2. In what ways can we see the consequences of disobedience to God in our own lives, and how can we seek His forgiveness and guidance?

3. How can we apply the lesson of dependence on God for our daily needs in a modern context, especially when facing uncertainty?

4. What role does community play in supporting each other during times of crisis, and how can we be more proactive in this area?

5. How can the hope of restoration found in the broader account of Lamentations encourage us in our personal trials and challenges?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 28
This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, including famine and enemy invasion, which are reflected in the experiences described in Lamentations.

Psalm 23
Contrasts the perilous search for sustenance in Lamentations with the assurance of provision and protection by God as the Shepherd.

Matthew 6
Jesus teaches about trusting God for daily bread, offering a New Testament perspective on reliance on God for provision.