Jerusalem, its temple, strongholds, king, officials, priests, prophets, elders, and young women were directly and severely affected by God’s judgment.1 It was known that these things were not mere coincidence but the punishing hand of God. Maybe everyone was not equally guilty—for instance the young women—but all were struck.
8 The LORD determined to lay in ruins the wall of the daughter of Zion; he stretched out the measuring line; he did not restrain his hand from destroying; he caused rampart and wall to lament; they languished together.