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 powerfully articulates the profound societal and spiritual collapse that befell Jerusalem after its destruction by the Babylonians. It graphically portrays a city where the pillars of community life—wise leadership, justice, and the vibrant expressions of joy and hope—have been utterly extinguished. The absence of elders from the city gate symbolizes the complete breakdown of governance, order, and judicial processes, while the silence of the young men's music underscores a pervasive atmosphere of despair, the loss of celebration, and the very spirit of life, reflecting the depth of the nation's trauma and desolation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Lamentations 5:14 is situated within the final chapter of the book of Lamentations, which deviates from the acrostic structure of the preceding chapters. Chapter 5 functions as a communal prayer, a direct petition to God from the devastated remnant of Judah, often termed "The Prayer of Jeremiah." This verse, therefore, serves as a poignant illustration of the depth of the nation's suffering, immediately following vivid descriptions of the people's abject poverty, servitude, and the humiliation they endured (Lamentations 5:1-13). It acts as a stark summary of the societal breakdown before the chapter culminates in a desperate, yet hopeful, plea for divine remembrance and restoration: "Restore us to yourself, O Lord, that we may be restored; renew our days as of old" [Lamentations 5:21](/lamentations/5-21 "Lamentations 5:21 - A Plea for Restoration"). The verse thus underscores the catastrophic extent of Judah's fall, setting the stage for the concluding appeal for God's merciful intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Lamentations is traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, serving as a lament over the catastrophic fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonian Empire in 586 BC and the subsequent exile of its inhabitants. This event marked not only the destruction of the First Temple, the spiritual heart of Israel, but also the end of the Davidic monarchy and the dissolution of the Israelite state. In the ancient Near East, the "gate" of a city was far more than an entrance; it was the vibrant hub of public life, functioning as the primary location for legal proceedings, commercial transactions, public assembly, and social interaction. The presence of elders at the gate symbolized a functioning society with established governance, justice, and wisdom, as exemplified in the legal proceedings described 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, religious worship, and daily life, often expressing joy, communal well-being, and hope. The cessation of these fundamental activities, particularly among the respected elders and the vibrant young men, would have been an unmistakable and devastating sign of total societal collapse, reflecting the profound trauma and despair inflicted by conquest and exile.
* **Key Themes:** Lamentations 5:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes woven throughout the book. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Total Desolation and Ruin**, portraying a society stripped of its most basic functions, its leadership, and its capacity for joy. Secondly, it highlights the **Loss of Order and Leadership**, as the absence of elders from the gate signifies the complete collapse of the judicial system, civic governance, and the traditional structures that provided stability and wisdom. Thirdly, the silence of music underscores the **Loss of Joy and Normalcy**, replacing it with pervasive sorrow, despair, and a profound sense of hopelessness, a direct fulfillment of prophetic warnings such as those found in [Jeremiah 7:34](/jeremiah/7-34 "Jeremiah 7:34 - Cessation of Joy in Jerusalem") and [Jeremiah 25:10](/jeremiah/25-10 "Jeremiah 25:10 - Removal of Joy and Music"). Finally, within the broader theological framework of Lamentations, this verse serves as a stark reminder of the **Consequences of Disobedience** to God's covenant, as the described suffering is understood as divine judgment for Judah's persistent sin, idolatry, and rebellion, leading to such a tragic and desolate 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." In this context, "ceased" denotes a complete, involuntary, and forceful termination rather than a mere pause. It signifies that the functions of the elders at the gate have been violently brought to an end, implying a profound and perhaps permanent disruption of civic life and order.
* **gate (Hebrew, _shaʻar'_):** From H8179, meaning "an opening, i.e. door or gate; city, door, gate, port." In ancient Near Eastern urban centers, the city gate was the nerve center of public life, serving as the primary location for legal proceedings, commercial transactions, public assemblies, and social interaction. It was the seat of justice, governance, and communal decision-making. The elders' absence from this pivotal location signifies the complete dismantling of the judicial system, the collapse of civic order, and the utter lack of leadership or authority in the devastated city.
* **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 typically implies sounds of joy, celebration, and the vitality of youth. Its cessation among the young men points to the extinguishing of all joy, hope, and the normal, vibrant expressions of life and exuberance, replaced by a pervasive atmosphere of mourning and despair.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The elders have ceased from the gate":** This clause vividly portrays the catastrophic breakdown of civic order, governance, and justice within Jerusalem. The "elders" (H2205, _zâqên_), who were the respected, wise, and experienced leaders responsible for administering justice, conducting public affairs, and providing counsel at the city "gate" (H8179, _shaʻar_), are now conspicuously absent. Their cessation signifies the complete collapse of the legal system, the end of public assembly, and the utter lack of leadership or moral authority. It paints a stark picture of a society where law and order have vanished, replaced by chaos, injustice, and a profound leadership vacuum.
* **"the young men from their musick":** This second clause underscores the profound loss of joy, vitality, and the normal expressions of life and hope. "Young men" (H970, _bâchûwr_), typically associated with strength, exuberance, and the future of a society, are no longer engaged in their customary "musick" (H5058, _nᵉgîynâh_), which was an integral 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 and forward-looking segment of society has been silenced by overwhelming grief and suffering, indicating a future devoid of joy and promise.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 5:14 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message of utter desolation and societal collapse. **Parallelism** is prominently featured through the two balanced clauses, "The elders have ceased from the gate" and "the young men from their musick," which mirror each other in grammatical structure and reinforce the overarching theme of complete cessation and loss. This is a form of **synthetic parallelism**, where the second line expands upon or complements the thought of the first, collectively illustrating the comprehensive nature of the destruction. **Metonymy** is evident in "the gate" standing for the entire civic, judicial, and social life of the city, and "musick" representing joy, celebration, and the vibrancy of youth. The absence of these specific elements thus powerfully signifies the loss of the broader concepts they embody. Furthermore, the verse utilizes potent **Symbolism**: the silent gate symbolizes the death of justice, governance, and public order, while the silent music symbolizes the death of hope, joy, and the very spirit of life within the community. The **Juxtaposition** of these two distinct demographic groups—elders (representing wisdom, authority, and the past/present) and young men (representing strength, vitality, and the future)—and their respective activities underscores the comprehensive nature of the destruction, impacting every generation and every fundamental aspect of societal function.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 5:14 serves as a profound theological statement on the devastating consequences of national sin and the inescapable impact of divine judgment. It vividly portrays a world turned upside down, where the very structures designed to uphold righteousness and foster well-being have crumbled. Theologically, this verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty over nations and His unwavering justice in holding His people accountable to the covenant. The pervasive silence and desolation are not random occurrences but are the painful, inevitable fruit of a people who have persistently turned away from their God. This illustrates the profound truth that societal flourishing, order, and genuine joy are deeply intertwined with spiritual faithfulness and adherence to divine principles. The verse, therefore, calls for deep introspection on the state of a community's spiritual health and its fidelity to God's ways, recognizing that departure from the Lord inevitably leads to the loss of order, the extinguishing of joy, and ultimately, a future shrouded in despair.

* [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 and timeless reflection on the fragility of human institutions and the profound, far-reaching impact of spiritual decline on societal well-being. It compels us to consider the vital importance of righteous, wise leadership and the cultivation of genuine, Spirit-infused joy within our communities. When "elders" cease from the "gates"—the places of influence, decision-making, justice, and moral authority—it signals a dangerous breakdown of integrity, order, and accountability, often leading to chaos, injustice, and a loss of public trust. Similarly, when the "music" of the young, representing hope, vitality, creativity, and celebration, is silenced, it indicates a deep spiritual malaise, a pervasive despair, and a loss of future vision that can cripple a generation. This verse challenges us, as individuals and as communities, to actively engage in upholding justice, supporting and embodying wise leadership, and fostering environments where authentic joy, creativity, and enduring hope can flourish, even amidst trials and tribulations. It serves as a powerful reminder that true societal health is not merely economic prosperity or political stability, but is fundamentally rooted in spiritual vitality, moral integrity, and the vibrant, transformative presence of God's Spirit in our midst.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might the "elders" of our contemporary society—our leaders, institutions, or moral authorities—be "ceasing from the gate," and what are the observable consequences of such a withdrawal or failure?**
* **What does the "music" of the young men symbolize in our current cultural context, and how might its absence or distortion indicate a loss of hope, purpose, or vitality among the rising generation?**
* **How can individuals and communities actively work to restore justice, order, and genuine joy in places where they have been diminished, corrupted, or lost due to spiritual or moral decline?**
* **What is the inherent connection between a society's spiritual health and its capacity for maintaining order, fostering justice, and experiencing true, lasting joy, as powerfully 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 all public life, functioning as the primary court, market, and meeting place. Elders, who were respected, experienced, and wise leaders, would gather there to administer justice, settle disputes, conduct business, and offer counsel to the community. 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 or communal decision-making, and no wise counsel to guide the community. It signifies a complete breakdown of societal structure and a descent into lawlessness, chaos, and moral decay, as also implied in [Ezekiel 7:26](/ezekiel/7-26 "Ezekiel 7:26 - Law and Counsel Perish"), where counsel perishes.

**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, strength, exuberance, and future promise 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 and desolation were so overwhelming that even the natural expressions of youthful exuberance and celebration were silenced. This reflects 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") and [Jeremiah 25:10](/jeremiah/25-10 "Jeremiah 25:10 - Removal of Joy and Music").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamentations 5:14 paints a bleak, desolate picture of a world utterly devoid of order, justice, and joy—a direct and tragic consequence of humanity's rebellion against God. Yet, this very desolation serves as a profound foreshadowing of the urgent need for a divine intervention that only Christ could provide. Where the elders ceased from the gate, signifying the collapse of earthly governance and the absence of true justice, Christ establishes an eternal kingdom where perfect 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, abundant life, and eternal security. He is the King who sits enthroned forever, administering perfect justice and establishing an everlasting government [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 extinguishing of joy and hope, Christ brings an unshakeable, eternal joy that no earthly suffering or circumstance can diminish or extinguish. He is the source of living water that springs up to eternal life, satisfying the deepest thirst of the soul [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, a joy that is complete [John 15:11](/john/15-11 "John 15:11 - Jesus' Joy in Us"). The lament over lost order, silenced joy, and a broken world in Lamentations finds its ultimate, glorious answer in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who restores all things, brings true peace that surpasses all understanding [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God"), and fills our hearts with the "music" of redemption, the "song of the Lord," and eternal hope through the indwelling Holy Spirit, who produces joy as a fruit [Galatians 5:22](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22 - Fruit of the Spirit"). He is the true Elder, the Ancient of Days [Daniel 7:9](/daniel/7-9 "Daniel 7:9 - The Ancient of Days"), who brings everlasting order and orchestrates 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.