“fine gold,” and “holy [that is, precious] stones” (4:1) are figures of speech. The fine gold is “the precious sons of Zion” (v. 2). The poet is comparing Judah’s former glory with her present miseries. Zion’s sons used to be fine gold, but by some strange process the precious metal is now esteemed as worthless as a potters earthen vessel (v. 2b). Judah’s glory has departed. Under pressure of famine conditions, even maternal instincts have disappeared (v. 3). This is true also of children reared in