Lam 2:19, 4:1 | JFB | STEP | 19. cry . . . in . . . night — ( ). beginning of . . . watches —that is, the first of the three equal divisions (four hours each) into which the ancient Jews divided the night; namely, from sunset to ten o'clock. The second was called "the middle watch" ( ), from ten till two o'clock. The third, "the morning watch," from two to sunrise ( ). Afterwards, under the Romans, they had four watches ( ). for . . . thy . . . children —that God, if He will not spare thee, may at least preserve "thy young children." top of . . . street

Lamentations 2:19

19. cry . . . in . . . night— (Ps 119:147).

beginning of . . . watches—that is, the first of the three equal divisions (four hours each) into which the ancient Jews divided the night; namely, from sunset to ten o'clock. The second was called "the middle watch" (Jud 7:19), from ten till two o'clock. The third, "the morning watch," from two to sunrise (Ex 14:24; 1Sa 11:11). Afterwards, under the Romans, they had four watches (Mt 14:25; Lu 12:38).

for . . . thy . . . children—that God, if He will not spare thee, may at least preserve "thy young children."

top of . . . street— (Isa 51:20; Na 3:10).

Resh.

Lamentations 4:1

1. gold—the splendid adornment of the temple [CALVIN] (La 1:10; 1Ki 6:22; Jer 52:19); or, the principal men of Judea [GROTIUS] (La 4:2).

stones of . . . sanctuary—the gems on the breastplate of the high priest; or, metaphorically, the priests and Levites.

Beth.