Lamentations 4:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The creature's tongue sticks to its throat in desperation, as the little ones cried out for bread, yet none was available to provide for them. He reminds us of their former abundance: "Those who indulge in delicacies perish during the exodus." This signifies their fall from grace, as those adorned in fine garments now find themselves covered in filth. He attributes this downfall to their sins, drawing a parallel to the transgressions of Sodom. He also notes that the Nazoreans enjoyed glory before the time of trial, but during that period, they faced harsh treatment. Furthermore, he asserts that it is preferable to fall in battle than to succumb to the arrows of starvation. In his mourning, he speaks of the most profound afflictions endured.