The fourth month; which word is easily understood, by comparing this and the first verse, and Jer_39:2 52:6, where it is expressed.
For the people of the land, i.e. for the common sort of people, who flocked thither from all parts, upon the approach of the Babylonian army; but only for the great men and soldiers. See of the grievousness of this famine, Lam_4:10Eze_5:10,12.