20 The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the Lord, was taken in their pits, of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall live among the heathen.
20 The Lord's anointed, our very life breath, was caught in their traps. We thought that under his shadow we would live among the nations.
20 The breath of our nostrils, the Lord's anointed, was captured in their pits, of whom we said, "Under his shadow we shall live among the nations."
20 Our king, our life's breath, the anointed of God, was caught in their traps - Our king under whose protection we always said we'd live.
20 The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the Lord, Was caught in their pits, Of whom we said, "Under his shadow We shall live among the nations."
20 Our king-the Lord 's anointed, the very life of our nation- was caught in their snares. We had thought that his shadow would protect us against any nation on earth!
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Lamentations 4:20
Commentary on Lamentations 4:13-20
(Read Lamentations 4:13-20)
Nothing ripens a people more for ruin, nor fills the measure faster, than the sins of priests and prophets. The king himself cannot escape, for Divine vengeance pursues him. Our anointed King alone is the life of our souls; we may safely live under his shadow, and rejoice in Him in the midst of our enemies, for He is the true God and eternal life.