Lamentations 5:14

14 The old men have deserted the city gate, the young men have given up their 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, leaders receive no respect.

13 Young men are compelled to grind at the mill, boys stagger under loads of wood.

14 The old men have deserted the city gate, the young men have given up their music.

15 Joy has vanished from our hearts, our dancing has turned into mourning.

16 The crown has fallen from our heads. Woe to us! for we have sinned.