Verse 1

Sedecias. He was less impious than his two predecessors; but too weak to do good.

Verse 3

Pray, or consult. He wished to know whether the Chaldeans would return. (Calmet) --- He feared, yet ill-treated the prophet, as Herod did John the Baptist. (Worthington)

Verse 6

Return, routed, chap. xlvi. 15. His army was small, Ezechiel xvii. 17., and xxx. 21. This king Ephree, (chap. xliv. 30.) or Apries, had succeeded Psammis, after an interregnum of ten years' continuance. (Herodotus ii. 161.) --- He foresaw that his own dominions would be invaded, after Jerusalem, the key, was taken. The other allies of Juda perfidiously sat still, or joined the Chaldeans. (Calmet)

Verse 8

Away. They departed indeed, but for a short time.

Verse 9

Tent. So easy it is for God to destroy by few as well as by many! (Haydock)

Verse 11

Possession, lately purchased, chap. xxxii. (Lyranus) --- Yet some think this had not yet taken place. (Calmet) --- Septuagint, "to buy provisions among." Hebrew, "to slip away thence in the midst of the people." (Haydock) --- He wished to escape the fury of his enemies at Jerusalem. (Calmet) --- It is an old device of persecutors to lay false charges on the innocent, as Julian and the Arians did. (Hist. Tripart. vi. 27.) (Worthington)

Verse 14

Beat him, as a traitor and fugitive. --- Prison, very deep, ver. 19. (Calmet)

Verse 15

Prison. Literally, "lake or pit," (Haydock) such as was used to keep wine. Thus God tries his chosen friends, according to their strength!

Verse 18

Prophets. He insults over these impostors, and speaks boldly. The Chaldeans were now returned, chap. xxxviii.

Verse 19

Be. Hebrew, "fall prostrate," chap. xxxvi. 7.

Verse 20

Entry, where he had been already, chap. xxxii. 1., and xxxiv. 1, 7. --- Piece. Roll, sufficient for a day's maintenance. (Calmet) --- Protestants, "a piece of bread (Septuagint, a loaf) out of the baker's street." (Haydock)

Verse 32

CHAPTER XXXVII.