Lamentations 5:12

“Princes are hanged up by their hand, etc.] According to some, as Aben Ezra observes, by the hand of the servants before mentioned; however, by the hand of the Chaldeans or Babylonians; (see <245210>Jeremiah 52:10). Some understand it of their own hands, as if they laid violent hands upon themselves, not being able to bear the hardships and disgrace they were subjected to but I should rather think this is to be understood of hanging them, not by the neck, but by the hand, could any instance be given of such a kind of punishment so early used, and by this people; which has been in other nations, and in more modern times: the faces of elders were not honoured; no reverence or respect were shown…”

“hanged . . . by their hand--a piece of wanton cruelty invented by the Chaldeans. GROTIUS translates, "Princes were hung by the hand of the enemy"; hanging was a usual mode of execution (Gen 40:19). elders--officials (Lam 4:16).”

“After the princes had been put to death their bodies were hung up by the hand to expose them to public contumely. Old age, again, no more availed to shield men from shameful treatment than the high rank of the princes. Such treatment of conquered enemies was not uncommon in ancient warfare. return to 'Top of Page'”

“5:12-17 These terrible things happened because the people had sinned (see Isa 24:7-12; Jer 7:24; 13:18; 25:10-11; Amos 8:10).”

“Lam 2:10, Lam 2:20, Lam 4:16; Isa 47:6; Jer 39:6, Jer 39:7, Jer 52:10, Jer 52:11, Jer 52:25-27 Lamentations 5:13”