Does this verse refer to the present, past, or both?

The expression we have given the hand to refers to the confirmation of an agreement or allegiance between persons or parties (see Ezekiel 17:18; 1 Chronicles 29:24; 2 Chronicles 30:8). There had been such attempts of alliances with Egypt (see Isaiah 30:1–7; Isaiah 36:6; Jeremiah 2:18, Jeremiah 2:36; Ezekiel 17:15) and Assyria (see 2 Kings 16:7). This was a false notion entertained by Jerusalem that they would receive assistance against their enemies (see Lamentations 1:2, Lamentations 1:19; Lamentations 4:17). If this verse is understood only in the circumstances of these past dealings with Egypt and Assyria, it would fit seamlessly into the mentioning of the sin of their fathers in the next verse. However, the context leads in another direction. The reference here is not to the past need for military assistance, but to the current need for famine relief: to get enough bread. This need was especially acute after the siege.¹

While the current need is addressed here, it does not stand in isolation from past international dealings. It is the current suffering that stems in part from poor alliances made in the past with other nations. For this reason, it is not necessary to decide between a past and present emphasis. The poor alliances and choices that Judah made in the past had led to the current misery (see also Lamentations 1:2, Lamentations 1:12, Lamentations 1:19; Lamentations 4:17–20).²