Verse 1

King. Ezechias or Josias, as figures of Jesus Christ, who is meant. (Calmet) --- They and their counsellors only foreshewed the advantages derived from Christ and his apostles in a more abundant manner. (St. Jerome) --- Judgment and justice. These words have a higher meaning than what is assigned to them by philosophers. In God, the former implies the preparation of the means for man's redemption, as the latter does the execution; and in man, judgment denotes the selection of what is right, and justice implies the putting it willingly in practice. Thus Christ will fulfill all the he has graciously purposed, with the two other divine persons; and the princes, his pastors, shall discern what is good for their own and people's eternal welfare. (Worthington)

Verse 2

Land. Ezechias and Josias were both a defence to their subjects.

Verse 3

Dim. True prophets shall speak, while false ones shall be silent. (Calmet)

Verse 4

Plain. Some parts of the prediction relate literally to the Old Testament. But this alludes to the New, when the mysteries of religion are clearly confessed in the Catholic Church. (Worthington) --- Even the most illiterate are guided with security, if they will but hear the Church. (Haydock)

Verse 5

Deceitful. Hebrew, "miser be called liberal," Luke xxii. 25. These good princes are contrasted with Achaz, who had oppressed his subjects.

Verse 7

Vessels. Arms, (Calmet) or all the words and actions of the miser are bent on evil. (Haydock) --- The ministers of wicked princes resemble them. (Menochius)

Verse 9

CHAPTER XXXII.

Women. Great cities. He announces the impending dangers.

Verse 10

Year. After a long time; or the prophet speaks two years before the arrival of Sennacherib, after the vintage was ended, chap. xxx. 20., and 4 Kings xix. 29. (Calmet)

Verse 12

Mourn. Septuagint, "beat." (Haydock) --- Breasts, suckling infants. In mourning, women beat and uncovered their breasts, which, on any other occasion, would have been deemed very indecent. (Calmet) (Ezechiel xxiii. 34.) (Herodotus ii. 84.)

Verse 13

Up. Being uncultivated for two years. This was still more the case during the captivity. (Calmet) --- How. Septuagint, "from every house joy shall be taken away, thou rich city." (Haydock)

Verse 14

Ever. Some palaces had been demolished by Sennacherib, though this seems to refer to the Babylonian captivity.

Verse 15

High, as Ezechiel (xxxvii. 10.) saw the dry bones rise again. Under this idea prosperity is frequently described. The rest of the chapter may very well be explained of the propagation of the gospel. --- Forest. Carmel was a fertile spot. Judea shall flourish, and Assyria shall be laid waste. The synagogue will be rejected, while the Gentiles, (Calmet) formerly so barren, shall embrace the faith and true piety. (Haydock)

Verse 17

Peace. The just shall enjoy peace, under Ezechias.

Verse 19

Hail. God's judgment shall overtake Babylon, or rather Ninive.

Verse 20

Waters. Fruitful soils, abounding with cattle. (Calmet) --- Both Jews and Gentiles shall submit to Christ. (Clement of Alexandria, Strom. vi.) (St. Jerome)