How is the contrast between the past and present condition of the noble people described?

In a dramatic hyperbole, the contrast of the former and the present state—then and now—of the nobility of Jerusalem is described. Their former impressive appearance is compared to snow, milk, coral and sapphire. All these described their elevated, respect-enforcing capacity prior to the catastrophe.¹ Their former outward appearance was remarkable and impressive. First, their garments are said to be purer than snow. This expression depicts the splendour of their appearance. It was more brilliant than sunlight reflected from snow. Also, the next comparison, “whiter than milk,” refers to the brilliance and splendour of their garments. The next two comparisons focus on their bodies. The word translated as bodies is bone or skeleton and refers to their physical appearance. This is compared to coral. The Mediterranean coral is reddish in colour. The meaning of the comparison is therefore that these persons were in the pink of health.  Furthermore, the form of their bodies was compared to a precious gem at that time, namely sapphire.² It was a familiar oriental semi-precious stone.³ It is the shine and brilliance of this stone that is used as a comparison to their bodily beauty and health.⁴ All the images in Lamentations 4:7 can be understood as an exposition of their physical beauty and grandeur (see Song of Solomon 5:1–16). They were previously well fed, well cared for, and well favoured by God.⁵  

This is contrasted with their latter state (Lamentations 4:8), in which they walked the streets, indistinguishable from the other peasants. Their appearance now is compared to soot, with their skin as dry as wood. In the first comparison the brilliance and whiteness are replaced so that they are literally darker than black.⁶ This may be taken as a description of their physical appearance as the description of their former appearance also referred to their physiques. The consequence of famine and their wandering in their burned city and scraping for food between the ashes may have made them utterly dirty.⁷ The result of their run-down appearance was that anyone who encountered them on the streets would no longer recognize them. Furthermore, due to the famine, their skin looked tight over their bones, as they were but skin and bones. Their skin is compared to dry wood that has lost all flexibility.⁸ It was horrible, showing signs of deprivation and a lack of water and possibly the signs of disease.⁹