Lamentations 5:14

14 1The old men have left the city gate, the young men 2their music.

Lamentations 5:14 Meaning and Commentary

Lamentations 5:14

The elders have ceased from the gate
Of the sanhedrim, or court of judicature, as the Targum; from the gate of the city, where they used to sit and try causes; but now there was nothing of this kind done: the young men from their music;
vocal and instrumental; the latter is more particularly specified, though both may be intended; neither were any more heard; their harps were hung upon the willows on the banks of Euphrates, which ran through the city of Babylon, ( Psalms 137:1 Psalms 137:2 ) .

Lamentations 5:14 In-Context

12 Princes are hung up by their hands; no respect is shown to the elders.
13 Young men are compelled to grind at the mill, and boys stagger under loads of wood.
14 The old men have left the city gate, the young men their music.
15 The joy of our hearts has ceased; our dancing has been turned to mourning.
16 The crown has fallen from our head; woe to us, for we have sinned!

Cross References 2

  • 1. [See ver. 12 above]
  • 2. [Isaiah 24:8]
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.