Lamentations 4
Irwin1. How is the gold become dim? The Israelites, now sadly tarnished in character and reputation.
3 the sea monsters. Rather, “the monsters,” or “jackals” (R.V.): see note on Job xxx. 29.
ostriches. See note on Job xxxix. 14.
7. Nazarites. Correctly, “Nazirites”: see note on Numb. vi. 2.
polishing. Heb., “division”; meaning either the shape or the veining of the body.
8 blacker than a coal. Or, “blacker than blackness.”
10 pitiful. Or, “tender-hearted”: showing how extreme must have been their destitution.
12 into the gates of Jerusalem. See note on 2 Kings xxv. 2. Two reasons might be assigned for this incredulity—the strength of the fortress, as renewed by Uzziah and his son (2 Chron. xxvi.
9; xxvii. 3); and the protection of Jehovah, as shown in the destruction of Sennacherib and his army (2 Kings xix. 34, 35).
13. For the sins, etc. “[It is] because of the sins,” etc.
14 wandered. Or, “staggered.”
15 [It is] unclean. Rather, “Unclean!” the leper’s cry.
They said among the heathen. Rather, as R.V., “men said among the nations”; so in ver. 16, “men respected not.”
16 hath divided. That is, “hath scattered or dispersed them.”
17 our eyes as yet failed for our vain help. Or, as R.V., “Our eyes do yet fail [in looking] for our vain help.”
a nation that could not save [us]. Probably referring to Egypt.