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.