Previously Jerusalem was the pride and joy of its inhabitants and that of all Israel (see Psalm 50:2). The people would boast about Jerusalem to the neighbouring nations, even to her enemies. This invites a gleeful reaction from passers-by to her present condition.1 Their rhetorical question is an expression of scornful astonishment.2
15 Tous les passants battent des mains sur toi, Ils sifflent, ils secouent la tête contre la fille de Jérusalem: Est-ce là cette ville qu'on appelait une beauté parfaite, La joie de toute la terre?