The leaders and inhabitants of Zion have sunk into a terrible state of misery because their guilt was greater than the sin of Sodom (Lamentations 4:1–11). It laments the weakened condition of Jerusalem’s children (Lamentations 4:1–2), which is further elaborated in Lamentations 4:3–10, with an interruption in Lamentations 4:6, where Zion's sin is acknowledged. Lamentations 4:11–16 gives a broader explanation of the idea that Zion's downfall is the result of sin committed. The prophets and priests come into focus in these verses. Jerusalem has been delivered into the hands of her enemies on account of her prophets and priests, who have shed the blood of righteous ones. Two episodes, showing that the people had placed their trust in the feeble help of man, follow in Lamentations 4:17–20. These include the disappointment over Egypt’s inability to help (Lamentations 4:17–18), and the failed flight of Zedekiah (Lamentations 4:19–20). The last two verses (Lamentations 4:21–22) conclude with a warning to Edom, while there is a hopeful outlook for Zion.1
The whole poem is an acknowledgement of the well-merited punishment by God for the sins of the people. It advances to the hope that Zion will not perish, but there will be relief, while here enemies will receive their deserved part of judgment from God. For the present, the enemy is triumphing, but the guilt of the people will come to an end.2 With this hope regarding the future, a prayer for deliverance follows in Lamentations 5:1–22.
1 How the gold has grown dim, how the pure gold is changed! The holy stones lie scattered at the head of every street.