In Solomon’s day the splendour of the temple and palaces of Jerusalem took the breath of the Queen of Sheba away, but now the gold has become dimmed the stones of the buildings, holy stones are lying scattered in the streets (v1). Even worse is the fact that the ‘precious sons of Zion’ who were precious like gold, are now like a common earthen pot (v2). That which is pure and precious in the Lord’s eyes can soon be badly tarnished by sin.

One of the sinful marks of the people of Jerusalem during the siege was their lack of love for their young (v3). In this they were worse and the jackals who fed their young. Parents had become like ostriches who were notorious for not caring for their little ones (see Job 39 v16). the children of Jerusalem had tongues stuck to the roof of their mouths because of a lack of milk (v4).

The suffering of Jerusalem was so long and so shocking, even previously loving mothers sacrificed their children (v10). Here we see where a life that doesn’t have evil restrained can lead to. Parents need to be careful that we do not unintentionally sacrifice our children to the things of this world.