The priests and elders are described as looking for food. The priests were appointed by God to lead the worship at the temple and educate the people in the demands of the law (see also Lamentations 2:9, Lamentations 2:20; Lamentations 4:13,Lamentations 4:16). The elders were the traditional leaders in the community who were responsible for the day-to-day affairs of the community (see also Lamentations 2:10; Lamentations 4:16; Lamentations 5:12,Lamentations 5:14). The siege, famine, and eventually their death resulted in a leadership crisis. In their quest for personal survival, they forsook concern for the community.1
19 “I called to my lovers, but they deceived me; my priests and elders perished in the city, while they sought food to revive their strength.