Verse 1

The valley of vision: Jerusalem. The temple of Jerusalem was built upon Mount Moria, or on the mountain of vision. But the city is here called, the valley of vision, either because it was lower than the temple, or because of the low condition to which it was to be reduced, (Challoner) during the captivity. (Worthington) --- Vision. Septuagint, "Sion." (Haydock) --- This prophecy regards the devastation caused by Sennacherib, (St. Jerome) Nabuchodonosor, (Sanctius) the Romans, (Eusebius) or by Assaradon, when he took Manasses, 2 Paralipomenon xxxiii. 11., and 4 Kings xxi. 10. --- Tops, to weep.

Verse 2

Battle. He taxes the king with cowardice.

Verse 4

People. He saw this in spirit, though he might not live to witness it. (Calmet)

Verse 5

Searching. That day beheld the Assyrians (Haydock) undermining the wall, and behaving with haughtiness (Calmet) on Mount Sion. (Haydock)

Verse 6

Wall. Arms were frequently hung thereon, Canticle of Canticles ix. 4. (Calmet)

Verse 8

Covering. Hebrew masac, (Haydock) "shade," for the convenience of the people, 4 Kings xvi. 18. --- Forest, built by Solomon. Ezechias has also procured store of arms, which were now delivered out to the citizens.

Verse 9

Many, but you have neglected them, (Calmet) till it be too late. (Haydock) --- Pool, communicating with Gehon on the west.

Verse 11

Walls. Manasses enclosed the pool within walls, forming a second town, 4 Kings xxii. 29. --- Ago. You have not imitated the piety of Ezechias.

Verse 13

Die. Thus the pagans encouraged themselves to feast. (Calmet) --- Ergo vivamus dum licet esse bene. (Petronius) --- This conduct betrayed an entire want of faith. (Calmet) --- "Nothing offends God so much....as contempt proceeding from despair." (St. Jerome)

Verse 14

Die. The repentance of Manasses, and the piety of Josias, could not avert the storm. Discite justitiam moniti et non temnere divos.

Verse 15

Temple, in the place of Eliacim. He had been secretary before, (Calmet) and had intruded himself into some office in the temple, which he abused. (Worthington)

Verse 16

CHAPTER XXII.

Verse 17

Cock. St. Jerome's master assured him that the word which is usually rendered a warrior, has this meaning. (Haydock) --- The comparison agrees well with a proud man reduced to misery. (Calmet) --- Hebrew, "With the captivity of a man, and he will cover thee." Septuagint, "he will cast out and bruise the man, and will take away thy comely robe, and throw thee into," &c. (Haydock)

Verse 18

Lord; Manasses, who hath exalted thee. (Calmet)

Verse 20

Eliacim, who had been displaced, ver. 15. He acted as regent after the departure of Manasses, who always followed his counsels at his return, Judith iv. 5. The priesthood was not then incompatible with civil and military functions.

Verse 21

Girdle, the badge of power, Job xii. 18.

Verse 22

Shoulder. Here the marks of dignity were worn. Eliacim was appointed master of the palace, over all the other servants. (Calmet) --- Thus we may gather what power Christ conferred on St. Peter, when he gave him the keys of heaven, Matthew xvi. 19., and Apocalypse iii. 7. (Haydock)

Verse 23

Peg, on which whatever is placed shall be secure, 1 Esdras ix. 8.

Verse 24

House. He shall be the ornament of the priesthood. --- Music. All affairs in church and state shall be at his disposal.

Verse 25

Fall. Sobna shall lose all his employments, and ruin others. (Calmet)