What is the meaning of "Teshu'os Mele'ah Ir Homiyah"?
Rashi: A city that was noisy from the many people, and joyful - why do you mourn now?
Malbim: Tumult was always heard in the city, for its people were Giborim. And there were multitudes in it. You cannot say that they did not fight because their nature is calm, or because there were few residents!
Why does it say "Alizah"?
Malbim: The city was happy, amidst abundance. You cannot say that they did not fight because they toil for their food!
Why does it say "Chalalayich Lo Chalelei Cherev"?
Rashi: It would be better if they were killed via the sword, than now, that they die of hunger 1 .
Radak: They did not leave the city to fight with the enemies. Rather, they gathered in the city and died amidst hunger.
Eichah 4:9 says so. (PF)
What is the difference between "Chalelei Cherev" and "Mesei Milchamah"?
Malbim: Mesei Milchamah are those who die on the battlefield. Chalelei Cherev are those whom the enemy kills via the sword after they conquer the city.
