John Calvin Commentary Lamentations 4:18

"They hunt our steps, so that we cannot go in our streets: Our end is near, our days are fulfilled; for our end is come." — Lamentations 4:18 (ASV)

Many apply this verse to the Egyptians, saying that they deceptively enticed the Jews to flee to them in their difficulties. It is indeed true that the Jews had been deceived by their false promises; and, just as a harlot draws young men to herself by wicked arts, so also the Jews had been captivated by the allurements of the Egyptians. But the Prophet's meaning seems to be different, namely this: that the Chaldeans followed the Jews like hunters, so that they observed their footsteps. I connect these two verses, for it immediately follows.