Lamentations 5:14

14 The elders no longer sit in the city gates; the young men no longer dance and sing.

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 Our princes are being hanged by their thumbs, and our elders are treated with contempt.

13 Young men are led away to work at millstones, and boys stagger under heavy loads of wood.

14 The elders no longer sit in the city gates; the young men no longer dance and sing.

15 Joy has left our hearts; our dancing has turned to mourning.

16 The garlands have fallen from our heads. Weep for us because we have sinned.