The people were on the lookout for any assistance coming to them during the siege of Jerusalem. This constant scanning of the horizon for help, placed a strain on their eyes up to the point of failure (see also Psalm 69:3; Psalm 119:82, Psalm 119:123; Jeremiah 14:6). They probably watched out from watchtowers, the city walls and remote outposts for any help, but it was in vain. They were looking for other nations to come to rescue them from the Babylonians. It is most probable that the nation they were looking out for was the Egyptians (see Isaiah 30:1–5, Isaiah 30:7; Isaiah 31:1–3; Jeremiah 2:18, Jeremiah 2:36; Hosea 7:11; Hosea 12:1). They could also have expected help from other nations.1 This was their last hope, but Nebuchadnezzar drove the invading Egyptian army away (see Jeremiah 37:5–7). While no one else offered help, the nation of Edom rejoiced in Jerusalem's downfall (see Obadiah 1:11–14).2 Not only was there no other nation to help, but others also betrayed them.3
17 Nos yeux se consumaient encore, Et nous attendions vainement du secours; Nos regards se portaient avec espérance Vers une nation qui ne nous a pas délivrés.