Ekhah 5:14

14 The zekenim have ceased from the sha’ar, the bochurim from their music.

Ekhah 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 ) .

Ekhah 5:14 In-Context

12 Sarim (princes) are hanged by their yad; the faces of Zekenim were not respected.

13 They took the bochurim to grind, and the ne’arim staggered under the wood.

14 The zekenim have ceased from the sha’ar, the bochurim from their music.

15 The joy of our heart is gone; mekholeinu (our dance) is turned into mourning.

16 The ateret is fallen from our head; woe unto us, for we have sinned!