For a voice of wailing is heard out of Zion
Out of the fortress of Zion, out of the city of Jerusalem, which was thought to be inexpugnable, and could never be taken; but now a voice is heard out of that, deploring the desolation of it: how are we spoiled?
our houses destroyed, and we plundered of our substance: we are greatly confounded:
filled with shame, on account of their vain confidence; thinking their city would never be taken, and they were safe in it: because we have forsaken the land;
the land of Judea, being obliged to it, the enemy carrying them captive into other countries: because our dwellings have cast us out;
not suffering us to continue there any longer, as being unworthy of them; or enemies have cast down our habitations to the earth, as Jarchi; and so the Targum, "for our palaces are desolate"; the principal buildings in Jerusalem, as well as the houses of the common people, were thrown down to the ground, or burnt with fire, and particularly the temple; so that the whole was in a most ruinous condition, and a fit subject of a mournful song.