9 Those killed by the sword are better off than those who die of famine; racked with hunger, they waste away for lack of food from the field.
9 They that be slain with the sword are better than they that be slain with hunger: for these pine away, stricken through for want of the fruits of the field.
9 Happier were the victims of the sword than the victims of hunger, who wasted away, pierced by lack of the fruits of the field.
9 Better to have been killed in battle than killed by starvation. Better to have died of battle wounds than to slowly starve to death.
9 Those slain by the sword are better off Than those who die of hunger; For these pine away, Stricken for lack of the fruits of the field.
9 Those killed by the sword are better off than those who die of hunger. Starving, they waste away for lack of food from the fields.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Lamentations 4:9
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.