[1] Fragments containing parts of this chapter were found among the Dead Sea Scrolls (3rd century BC or later): There is also a translation into Koine Greek known as the Septuagint, made in the last few centuries BCE.

Extant ancient manuscripts of the Septuagint version include Codex Vaticanus (B;

[4] Verses 7–19 contain a so-called 'community lament', generally to entreat 'YHWH's favour at a time of distress' (cf.

Psalm 74; 79), here describing 'the faithful community under alien rule, but still expressing its confidence that deliverance will come'.

[4] Verses 20–21 form a link between the preceding lament and the material in the next chapter.