Verse 1

Evil. Septuagint, "labours." Hebrew, "vanity, or an idol." (Haydock) --- That is called unprofitable, which is very detrimental. (Worthington) --- Morning, suddenly and with zeal. (Calmet) --- Is. Hebrew, "has power," (Chaldean) "they have not raised their hands to God." (Septuagint; Arabic)

Verse 2

Oppressed. Literally, "calumniated," (Haydock) as Jezabel did Naboth, 3 Kings xxi. 13.

Verse 3

Time. It was very near. Micheas saw the ruin of Samaria, under Theglathphalassar and Salmanasar.

Verse 4

Say. The Israelites sing this mournful canticle to ver. 7., which the prophet composes for them, to shew the certainty of the event. It is very difficult. (Calmet) --- The whole synagogue speaks. (Menochius) --- Depart. How do you pretend to say that the Assyrian is departing, when indeed he is coming to divide our lands amongst his subjects? (Challoner) --- The Cutheans were sent into the country, 4 Kings xvii. 24. (Calmet) --- Septuagint, "and there was none to hinder him from returning, our lands were divided." (Haydock)

Verse 5

None. Thou shalt have no longer any lot or inheritance in the land of the people of the Lord. (Challoner) --- Strangers had taken possession. (Calmet) --- Virgil has the like affecting thoughts. (Eclogues i.) Impius hæc tam culta novalia miles habebit? (Haydock)

Verse 6

Drop. That is, the prophecy shall not come upon these. Such were the sentiments of the people that were unwilling to believe the threats of the prophets. (Challoner) --- The princes order the prophets not to inculcate so many miseries. (Worthington) --- Hebrew, "Make it not rain: they will make it rain: they will cause no rain like this: confusion shall not cease." The people beg that the prophets would not announce such judgments: but, (Calmet) correcting themselves, they bid them to say what they please, (Haydock) as nothing can befall them more terrible. Here the canticle ends. (Calmet) --- Septuagint, "shed no tears, nor let them weep for these things, for she will not cast away reproaches, who says the house of Jacob has provoked the spirit," &c. (Haydock)

Verse 7

Straitened. Is he inclined to danger? The prophet replies, if God punishes, it is because the people will not repent. (Calmet) --- His mercy is extended to penitents, as well as to the just. (Worthington)

Verse 8

Away. You have often stripped people of their necessary garments; and have treated such as were innocently passing on the way, as if they were at war with you. (Challoner) --- He alludes to Israel attacking Juda without cause, and killing 120,000 at once, while they took 200,000 women and children (ver. 9.) captives, whom Oded indeed persuaded them to release, 2 Paralipomenon xxviii. 6. Septuagint are very obscure in this chapter. (Calmet)

Verse 9

Cast out, &c. Either by depriving them of their houses; or, by your crimes, giving occasion to their being carried away captives, and their children, by that means, never learning to praise the Lord. (Challoner) --- The Jews accustomed them to sing God's praises early, while they were still innocent, Psalm viii. 2. Misery might cause them to complain of Providence. Perhaps the prophet alludes to the custom of divorces, Malachias ii. 15.

Verse 10

Corruption. Your sins will not permit you to remain any longer, and strangers shall defile this land. (Calmet)

Verse 11

Would God, &c. The prophet could have wished, out of his love to his people, that he might be deceived in denouncing to them these evils that were to fall upon them: but by conforming himself to the will of God, he declares to them that he is sent to prophesy, literally to let drop upon them, the wine of God's indignation, with which they should be made drunk; that is, stupified and cast down. (Challoner) --- Protestants, "If a man, walking in the spirit of falsehood, do lie, saying, I will prophesy unto thee of wine and strong drink, he shall even be a prophet of this people." But I cannot thus deceive you. (Haydock)

Verse 12

Assemble. God shews his mercy, in gathering his Church out of all nations. (Worthington) --- At least the Jews shall be converted, (Romans xi. 25.; St. Jerome; Eusebius, Dem. ii. 50.) or they shall be butchered by the Assyrians. (Sanct.) --- Men. The country was very populous when the Romans destroyed the Jews. They had returned by degrees. (Calmet)

Verse 13

Open. Hebrew, "break down." (Haydock) --- Divide. Hebrew, "make a breach." They shall return boldly, and in triumph. (Calmet)

Verse 16

CHAPTER II.