Lamentations 5:14

KJV

The elders have ceased from the gate, the young men from their musick.

KJV (with Strong's)

The elders {H2205} have ceased {H7673} from the gate {H8179}, the young men {H970} from their musick {H5058}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

The elders have left the city gate; the young men have stopped their music.

American Standard Version

The elders have ceased from the gate, The young men from their music.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 5:14 vividly portrays the utter desolation and societal collapse in Jerusalem following its destruction by the Babylonians. It describes a city where the foundational pillars of community life—wise leadership and the vibrant expressions of joy—have been completely extinguished. The absence of elders from the city gate signifies the breakdown of justice, order, and governance, while the silence of young men's music underscores a profound loss of hope, celebration, and the very spirit of life, reflecting a pervasive atmosphere of despair and ruin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Lamentations 5:14 is part of the final chapter of the book of Lamentations, which is structured as a communal prayer or petition for restoration. Unlike the preceding chapters, which are primarily acrostic poems, Chapter 5 is a collective lament, a direct appeal to God from the devastated remnant of Judah. This verse, therefore, fits into a broader narrative of profound suffering and an earnest plea for divine remembrance and renewal. It immediately follows descriptions of the people's abject poverty and servitude (Lamentations 5:1-13) and precedes a final, desperate cry for God to "restore us to yourself, O Lord, that we may be restored!" ([Lamentations 5:21](/lamentations/5-21 "Lamentations 5:21 - A Plea for Restoration")). The verse thus serves as a poignant illustration of the depth of the nation's fall, setting the stage for the concluding appeal.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Lamentations is traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, mourning the catastrophic fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonian Empire in 586 BC and the subsequent exile of its inhabitants. This event marked the end of the Davidic monarchy and the destruction of the First Temple, central to Israelite identity and worship. In ancient Near Eastern cities, the "gate" was the nerve center of public life, serving as the primary location for legal proceedings, business transactions, and public assembly. The presence of elders at the gate symbolized a functioning society with established governance and justice, as seen in [Ruth 4:1-11](/ruth/4-1 "Ruth 4:1-11 - Legal Proceedings at the City Gate"). Similarly, music was an integral part of Israelite culture, accompanying celebrations, festivals, and daily life, often expressing joy and communal well-being. The cessation of these activities, particularly among the elders and young men, would have been a clear and devastating sign of total societal collapse, reflecting the profound trauma of conquest and exile.
* **Key Themes:** Lamentations 5:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Total Desolation and Ruin**, portraying a society stripped of its most basic functions and joys. Secondly, it highlights the **Loss of Order and Leadership**, as the absence of elders from the gate signifies the complete collapse of governance, justice, and traditional societal structures that once provided stability. Thirdly, the silence of music underscores the **Loss of Joy and Normalcy**, replacing it with pervasive sorrow and despair, a fulfillment of prophecies like [Jeremiah 7:34](/jeremiah/7-34 "Jeremiah 7:34 - Cessation of Joy in Jerusalem"). Finally, within the broader context of Lamentations, this verse serves as a stark reminder of the **Consequences of Disobedience** to God's covenant, as the suffering described is understood as divine judgment for Judah's persistent sin and idolatry, leading to such a tragic state of affairs.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **ceased (Hebrew, _shâbath'_):** From H7673, a primitive root meaning "to repose, i.e. desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific); (cause to, let, make to) cease, celebrate, cause (make) to fail, keep (sabbath), suffer to be lacking, leave, put away (down), (make to) rest, rid, still, take away." Here, it denotes a complete and involuntary cessation, indicating that the elders' functions at the gate have been forcibly brought to an end, not merely paused. This cessation implies a profound, permanent disruption of civic life.
* **gate (Hebrew, _shaʻar'_):** From H8179, meaning "an opening, i.e. door or gate; city, door, gate, port." In ancient Near Eastern contexts, the city gate was the primary public space where legal, commercial, and social activities occurred. It was the seat of justice and governance. The elders' absence from this pivotal location signifies the complete dismantling of the judicial system, civic order, and communal decision-making processes.
* **musick (Hebrew, _nᵉgîynâh'_):** From H5058, meaning "properly, instrumental music; by implication, a stringed instrument; by extension, a poem set to music; specifically, an epigram; stringed instrument, musick, Neginoth (plural), song." This term specifically refers to instrumental music, often associated with stringed instruments, and implies joyful sounds, celebration, and the vitality of youth. Its cessation among the young men points to the extinguishing of all joy, hope, and the normal expressions of life and exuberance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The elders have ceased from the gate":** This clause describes the profound disruption of civic order and governance. The "elders" (H2205, _zâqên_), who were the wise, experienced leaders responsible for administering justice, conducting business, and guiding the community at the city "gate" (H8179, _shaʻar_), are no longer present. Their absence signifies the collapse of the legal system, the end of public assembly, and the utter lack of leadership or authority. It paints a picture of a society where law and order have vanished, replaced by chaos and desolation.
* **"the young men from their musick":** This second clause highlights the loss of joy, vitality, and the normal expressions of life. "Young men" (H970, _bâchûwr_), typically associated with strength, exuberance, and the future, are no longer engaged in their customary "musick" (H5058, _nᵉgîynâh_), which was a common part of celebrations, festivals, and daily life. The silence where there once was song and instrumental sound speaks to a pervasive atmosphere of mourning, despair, and the eradication of hope. It signifies that even the most vibrant segment of society has been silenced by overwhelming grief and suffering.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 5:14 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message of desolation. **Parallelism** is evident in the two clauses, "The elders have ceased from the gate" and "the young men from their musick," which mirror each other in structure and reinforce the theme of complete cessation. This is a form of **antithetical parallelism** in a broader sense, contrasting the absence of order (elders) with the absence of joy (young men). **Metonymy** is present in "the gate" standing for the entire civic and judicial life of the city, and "musick" representing joy, celebration, and the vibrancy of youth. The absence of these specific elements thus signifies the loss of the broader concepts they embody. Furthermore, the verse uses powerful **Symbolism**: the silent gate symbolizes the death of justice and governance, while the silent music symbolizes the death of hope and joy. The **Juxtaposition** of these two distinct groups—elders (wisdom, authority) and young men (strength, vitality)—and their respective activities underscores the comprehensive nature of the destruction, impacting every demographic and every aspect of societal function.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 5:14 serves as a profound theological statement on the consequences of national sin and the devastating impact of divine judgment. It portrays a world turned upside down, where the very structures designed to uphold righteousness and foster well-being have crumbled. Theologically, it underscores God's sovereignty over nations and His justice in holding His people accountable to the covenant. The silence and desolation are not random but are the painful fruit of a people who have turned away from their God, illustrating the truth that societal flourishing is deeply intertwined with spiritual faithfulness. This verse, therefore, calls for introspection on the state of a community's spiritual health and its adherence to divine principles, recognizing that departure from God can lead to the loss of order, joy, and ultimately, a vibrant future.

* [Jeremiah 7:34](/jeremiah/7-34 "Jeremiah 7:34 - Cessation of Joy in Jerusalem")
* [Ezekiel 7:26](/ezekiel/7-26 "Ezekiel 7:26 - Law and Counsel Perish")
* [Psalm 137:1-4](/psalms/137-1 "Psalm 137:1-4 - Lament by the Rivers of Babylon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 5:14 offers a sobering reflection on the fragility of human institutions and the profound impact of spiritual decline on societal well-being. It compels us to consider the vital importance of righteous leadership and the cultivation of genuine joy within our communities. When elders cease from the "gates"—the places of influence, decision-making, and justice—it signals a dangerous breakdown of moral authority and societal order, leading to chaos and injustice. Similarly, when the "music" of the young, representing hope, vitality, and celebration, is silenced, it indicates a deep spiritual malaise and a loss of future vision. This verse challenges us to actively participate in upholding justice, supporting wise leadership, and fostering environments where joy, creativity, and hope can flourish, even amidst trials. It reminds us that true societal health is not merely economic prosperity but is rooted in spiritual vitality, moral integrity, and the vibrant presence of God's Spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might the "elders" of our society (leaders, institutions, moral authorities) be "ceasing from the gate" today, and what are the consequences?**
* **What does the "music" of the young men symbolize in our contemporary context, and how might its absence indicate a loss of hope or vitality?**
* **How can individuals and communities actively work to restore justice, order, and joy in places where they have been diminished or lost?**
* **What is the connection between a society's spiritual health and its capacity for order and joy, as suggested by this verse?**

### FAQ
**What does "the elders have ceased from the gate" mean in a practical sense?**

Answer: In ancient Israelite cities, the "gate" was the central hub for public life, serving as the court, market, and meeting place. Elders, who were respected, experienced leaders, would gather there to administer justice, settle disputes, conduct business, and offer counsel. Therefore, "the elders have ceased from the gate" means that the entire system of governance, law, and order had collapsed. There was no longer any authority to administer justice, no place for public assembly, and no wise counsel to guide the community. It signifies a complete breakdown of societal structure and a descent into lawlessness and chaos, as also implied in [Ezekiel 7:26](/ezekiel/7-26 "Ezekiel 7:26 - Law and Counsel Perish").

**Why is the cessation of "musick" among young men significant?**

Answer: Music in ancient Israel was deeply intertwined with celebration, worship, and daily life, often expressing joy, hope, and communal well-being. Young men, in particular, represent the vitality, future, and exuberance of a society. The cessation of their music indicates a profound and pervasive atmosphere of mourning, despair, and the complete absence of joy or hope for the future. It suggests that the suffering was so overwhelming that even the natural expressions of youthful exuberance were silenced, reflecting a spiritual and emotional desolation that permeated every aspect of life, fulfilling prophecies of joy being taken away from the land, as seen in [Jeremiah 7:34](/jeremiah/7-34 "Jeremiah 7:34 - Cessation of Joy in Jerusalem").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamentations 5:14 paints a bleak picture of a world devoid of order, justice, and joy, a direct consequence of humanity's rebellion against God. Yet, this very desolation foreshadows the profound need for a divine intervention that only Christ could provide. Where the elders ceased from the gate, signifying a breakdown of earthly governance, Christ establishes an eternal kingdom where true justice and righteousness reign supreme. He is the ultimate "gate" or "door" ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Door")) through whom all who enter find salvation and eternal life, and He is the King who sits enthroned forever, administering perfect justice ([Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prince of Peace")). Furthermore, where the music of young men ceased, symbolizing the loss of joy and hope, Christ brings an unshakeable, eternal joy that no earthly suffering can extinguish. He is the source of living water that springs up to eternal life ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - The Living Water")), and His presence fills believers with a joy that is full and overflowing ([John 15:11](/john/15-11 "John 15:11 - Jesus' Joy in Us")). The lament over lost order and silenced joy in Lamentations finds its ultimate answer in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who restores all things, brings true peace, and fills our hearts with the "music" of redemption and eternal hope through the indwelling Holy Spirit ([Galatians 5:22](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22 - Fruit of the Spirit")). He is the true Elder, the Ancient of Days, who brings everlasting order and the eternal song of salvation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 7:34

Then will I cause to cease from the cities of Judah, and from the streets of Jerusalem, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride: for the land shall be desolate.

Isaiah 24:7

The new wine mourneth, the vine languisheth, all the merryhearted do sigh.

Isaiah 24:11

[There is] a crying for wine in the streets; all joy is darkened, the mirth of the land is gone.

Ezekiel 26:13

And I will cause the noise of thy songs to cease; and the sound of thy harps shall be no more heard.

Lamentations 1:19

I called for my lovers, [but] they deceived me: my priests and mine elders gave up the ghost in the city, while they sought their meat to relieve their souls.

Lamentations 1:4

The ways of Zion do mourn, because none come to the solemn feasts: all her gates are desolate: her priests sigh, her virgins are afflicted, and she [is] in bitterness.

Lamentations 2:10

¶ The elders of the daughter of Zion sit upon the ground, [and] keep silence: they have cast up dust upon their heads; they have girded themselves with sackcloth: the virgins of Jerusalem hang down their heads to the ground.