Those slain by the sword are better off than those who die of hunger, who waste away, pierced with pain because the fields lack produce.
The beginning of the verse is without any difficulty; for the Prophet says that it happened better to those who immediately perished by the sword than to others who had to struggle with famine, according to what he had lately said, that the punishment of Sodom was more tolerable, because it was suddenly executed.
Jerusalem, once splendid as fine gold, has become dull and worthless dross. The temple's gold was sullied in the fire, its precious stones scattered like rubbish through the streets. When God withdrew His presence through provoked judgment, no wonder the sanctuary itself was profaned and cast down.
AI summary
Commenting on Lamentations 4:1-12
They that be slain with the sword are better than they that be slain with hunger,.... Not that they are better with respect to their state after death, but with respect to their manner of dying. They that were slain by the sword of the Chaldeans, as many were, either upon the walls, or in sallies out against the enemy, these felt less pain, and...