Lamentations 5:14

14 Elders are no longer at the gate, young men no longer play stringed instruments.

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 They hang princes by their hand; they do not show respect before elders.

13 Young men must carry a hand-mill and boys stumble under the wood.

14 Elders are no longer at the gate, young men no longer play stringed instruments.

15 The joy of our hearts has stopped; our circle-dancing has changed to a mourning ceremony.

16 The crown has fallen from our head; woe to us, for we have sinned!