Jeremiah 50:15. She hath given her hand, her foundations are fallen, her walls are thrown down.
This is a beautiful Orientalism denoting submission, and probably has some relation to the custom of giving the hand in pledge of a covenant. See note on Proverbs 11:21 (#461). There are several texts where the expression is used: “We have given the hand to the Egyptians, and to the Assyrians, to be satisfied with bread” (Lam. 5:6). When Hezekiah sent throughout all Israel and Judah his proclamation for a passover, he said to the people, among other things, “yield yourselves unto the Lord” (2 Chron. 30:8). This is literally, “give the hand to Jehovah.” At the beginning of Solomon’s reign it is said: “And all the princes, and the mighty men, and all the sons likewise of king David, submitted themselves unto Solomon the king” (1 Chron. 29:24). This is literally, “gave the hand under Solomon.”
This identical form is said by Roberts to be used in India at the present time. When two have quarreled, and one makes acknowledgment, he is said to “put his hand under.” The same is said when a rebellious son submits to his father. The expression is not altogether figurative. When one submits to a superior he stoops, and moves his hands to the ground, saying, “I submit, my lord.” Hence the appropriateness of the language used.