“Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.”
King James Version (KJV)
2:16 The children - Though they understand little what is done, yet their cities ascend, and God with pity looks on their tears. These that suck - Their cries and tears may perhaps move the congregation to more earnest supplication to God for mercy. So the Ninevites, #Jonah 3:7|,8. The bridegroom - Let the new married man leave the mirth of the nuptials and afflict himself with the rest.