איכה, פרק ה׳, פסוק ח׳

The collapse of a nation brings more than just physical devastation; it completely shatters the social order, resulting in profound humiliation. When established leadership falls, figures from the very fringes of society often seize control, magnifying the despair and helplessness of the conquered people. From a historical and national perspective, these new rulers are nations that were once subject to the Israelites and paid them tribute, such as Edom, Egypt, or the Chaldeans [אבן עזרא, תורה תמימה, לחם דמעה]. On a societal level, they are individuals from the absolute bottom of the social hierarchy who grabbed power amidst the chaos [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Some suggest they are the most despised and lowly servants, considered inferior even among the servant class itself [לחם דמעה, אלשיך].

The lowly identity of these new rulers is directly tied to the complete absence of a rescuer. Typically, when a nation oppresses the Israelites, God elevates that enemy's leaders to royalty. Because a king's heart is guided by God, this ensures the Israelites will not be entirely wiped out. In this tragic reality, however, the oppressors remain in their lowly status, acting out of cruel, unrestrained free will with no one to hold them back [נחל אשכול]. Furthermore, God usually crowns the enemies of the Israelites so that when He eventually punishes them, His victory is dignified and honorable. The fact that these oppressors remain at the level of servants indicates that God has no immediate plans to fight them, leaving the Israelites without a savior [אלון בכות].

This lack of deliverance is also driven by vengeance. Since these nations were previously under Israelite control, the reversal of fortunes allows them to avenge their past humiliation, actively blocking any outside attempts to free the captives [לחם דמעה]. From a spiritual standpoint, servants possess a certain degree of merit because they are obligated to observe a portion of the Commandments. This spiritual credit stands in their favor, preventing the Israelites from being rescued from their grip [אלון בכות]. On a social and psychological level, if a prominent person is captured by a king or a high-ranking official, other respected individuals might intervene and plead for mercy. However, when the captor is the most despised servant, no dignified person will degrade themselves to beg for favors from someone so base. Consequently, the conquered are left entirely abandoned to their fate [אלשיך].

Despite the profound despair of being trapped without a rescuer, there remains a subtle glimmer of hope. The current lack of deliverance does not mean eternal doom. Just as during the enslavement in Egypt, where the oppressors were also referred to as slaves, there was initially no one to save the Israelites until Moses emerged. The absence of a rescuer reflects only the present moment, hinting that when the right time comes, deliverance will ultimately arrive [תורה תמימה, לחם דמעה].