Verse 1

It. Hebrew, "a saying." Septuagint, "If," &c., Deuteronomy xxiv. 1. (Haydock) --- Woman. Hebrew, "land." --- Lovers. Septuagint, "shepherds," (Calmet) seeking aid from idols and foreigners.

Verse 2

High. Literally, "straight forward." (Haydock) --- On the hills, idolatry and immorality prevailed. --- Ways, where harlots used to sit, Genesis xxxviii. 14., and Proverbs vii. 9., and xxxiii. 27. --- Robber; "Arab," (Chaldean, &c.) or "crow." (Septuagint) (Calmet) --- No sin is so great as to be irremissible to the true penitent. (Worthington)

Verse 3

Rain; about November, Deuteronomy xi. 14. This drought happened under Josias, (chap. v. 24.) and was different from that specified, chap. viii. 13., and xiv. 1.

Verse 4

Guide. Husband, Proverbs ii. 16., and Joel i. 8.

Verse 5

Wilt. Hebrew, "will he," &c. The faithless people will not use this language, but do all the evil possible.

Verse 6

Days, before the 18th year. God now pronounces sentence (Calmet) on all. (Haydock) --- Rebellious, a faithless wife. The kingdom of Israel gave way to idolatry first. But the people were less favoured than Juda, which had many prophets and good kings, the temple, &c. Moreover, the misfortunes of Israel did not open the eyes of their brethren. (Calmet) --- Both the ten tribes, and the two tribes (Worthington) which adhered to the line of David, prevaricated. (Haydock)

Verse 10

Falsehood. Their reform was only apparent, under Joas, &c. (Calmet)

Verse 11

Soul, and appeared comparatively innocent, ver. 6., and Ezechiel xvi. 51. (St. Jerome) --- Yet neither of them was excusable. (Worthington)

Verse 12

North. Samaria, or rather Assyria, where the people were captives. --- Face, in anger.

Verse 13

Ways, dividing thy love, and adoring idols with me.

Verse 14

Kindred. Only few Israelites returned under Cyrus. The rest came by degrees, though it was more fully accomplished by the conversion of the Gentiles.

Verse 15

Pastors. Zorobabel, &c., but more particularly Christ and his apostles.

Verse 16

Ark. It was no longer at Jerusalem. The law and its figures cease.

Verse 17

All. Many might embrace the Jewish religion. But the predictions of the prophets on this head, were not verified, till the gospel was preached. (Calmet) --- Then many embraced the faith: several captives also returned to God. (Worthington)

Verse 18

North. Septuagint add, "and from all places" where the Jews were in captivity. (Haydock) --- Many thus returned to their own country, ver. 14. (Calmet) --- Israel had been led into captivity sooner, but all were released at once. (Theodoret) (Worthington)

Verse 19

Gentiles, which they all covet, or to which they are invited in the Church. (Calmet) --- Me. On these conditions thou shalt be restored. (Haydock)

Verse 21

God. Hence proceed these miseries and lamentations.

Verse 23

Liars, unfruitful; and the idols have left us empty. (Calmet) --- They were placed on the hills. (Houbigant)

Verse 24

Confusion. Thus Baal was styled Boseth, contemptuously, Jeremias xi. 13.

Verse 25

Shame. We are justly punished with exile, (Calmet) and death. (Menochius)

Verse 37

CHAPTER III.