7 Their princes were brighter than snow and whiter than milk, their bodies more ruddy than rubies, their appearance like lapis lazuli.
7 Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was of sapphire:
7 Her princes were purer than snow, whiter than milk; their bodies were more ruddy than coral, the beauty of their form
7 The splendid and sacred nobles once glowed with health. Their bodies were robust and ruddy, their beards like carved stone.
7 Her Nazirites were brighter than snow And whiter than milk; They were more ruddy in body than rubies, Like sapphire in their appearance.
7 Our princes once glowed with health- brighter than snow, whiter than milk. Their faces were as ruddy as rubies, their appearance like fine jewels.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Lamentations 4:7
Commentary on Lamentations 4:1-12
(Read Lamentations 4:1-12)
What a change is here! Sin tarnishes the beauty of the most exalted powers and the most excellent gifts; but that gold, tried in the fire, which Christ bestows, never will be taken from us; its outward appearance may be dimmed, but its real value can never be changed. The horrors of the siege and destruction of Jerusalem are again described. Beholding the sad consequences of sin in the church of old, let us seriously consider to what the same causes may justly bring down the church now. But, Lord, though we have gone from thee in rebellion, yet turn to us, and turn our hearts to thee, that we may fear thy name. Come to us, bless us with awakening, converting, renewing, confirming grace.