The elders of the daughter of Zion sit upon the ground, and keep silence: they have cast up dust upon their heads; they have girded themselves with sackcloth: the virgins of Jerusalem hang down their heads to the ground.
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George Leo Haydock
AD 1849
Ancients, even magistrates. (Calmet)
Canitiem multo deformat pulvere. (Virgil, Æneid x.)
The destruction of the miserable is mouxtned, due to reverence for their status. First, regarding elders who: "sit on the ground in silence." Namely, as signs of great sadness. Like Job: 2:13: "And they set with him on the ground seven days and nights and no one spoke a word for him, for they saw thatt his suffering was very great."
Second, the destruction of virgins is mourned. As Verse 10 finally claims: "the maidens of Jerusalem have bowed their heads to the ground." That is, the maidens around the ark of the covenant, or tabernacle, as daughters of the temple priests. Again: "have bowed their heads to the ground." That is, as a sign of sadness. And as "maidens of Jerusalem": insofar as they dwell in this city. Also: "They have cast dust on their heads and put on sackcloth," That is, in their confusion and fear.
Then: "the maidens of Jerusalem". Namely, and those maidens who dwell elsewhere throughout the kingdom. For Isaiah 3:24 states: "Instead of perfume there will be rotte...
