Verse 1

Joakim, when Nabuchodonosor besieged him again in his 7th year. The Rechabites then pitched their tents in Jerusalem, ver. 11. (Calmet) --- Here we behold a figure of religious orders in the Church, as well as in the Nazarites and disciples of the prophets, Numbers vi., and 4 Kings i. They observed certain rules for acquiring greater perfection, and refrained from many things which were otherwise lawful. Thus various religious orders, both of men and of women, have flourished in the Church, and though they have different names and regulations, yet they are not sects, as heretics would pretend, but all follow the same faith, use the same sacraments, and are a great ornament to the Catholic Church by their profession of the three essential vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, in imitation of the apostles, Matthew xix. 12. --- Joakim. This happened before the preceding prophecies. (Worthington)

Verse 2

Rechabites. These were of the race of Jethro, father-in-law to Moses. (Challoner) --- All the Hebrew and Latin doctors agree that the Rechabites were strangers, ver. 7, 19. (Worthington) --- Treasures of corn, wine, &c. Jeremias, as a priest, had free access.

Verse 4

Of God. Prophets are generally thus designated, 4 Kings iv. 7. We know nothing more of this holy man. --- Princes of the priests; or where princes made their offerings, or assembled to judge, chap. xxvi. 10. --- Entry. He was not removeable like the other Levites, 1 Paralipomenon ix. 19, 34. (Calmet)

Verse 5

Wine. This was not an exhortation, but a trial. (Haydock)

Verse 6

Jonadab. A man much esteemed by Jehu, 4 Kings x. 15. (Worthington)

Verse 7

Days. The reward of dutiful children, Exodus xx. 12. These are models of those Christians who follow the rule of some virtuous person, in order to be at a greater distance from any transgression of the law, and to observe it with more perfection. (Calmet) --- "If a father could lay such an injunction on his descendants, and they receive commendation for observing it, why may not the fathers of the Church enjoin things which are not of themselves necessary, but....useful to avoid the occasions of evil, or to advance in virtue?" says Grotius, a Protestant, after St. Jerome, (Ad Paulin.) St. Augustine, in Psalm lxx., &c.) (Haydock) Jonadab exhorted, and prescribed this rule, but it was not properly a command, being too arduous. (Tirinus)

Verse 11

Syria. 4 Kings xxiv. 2. The mention of these shews that this was the second siege, when Joakim was slain, and many led into captivity, (chap. lii. 28.) with these Rechabites. (Calmet) --- They lived under tents, but in case of necessity entered the city, ver. 10. If they observe works of supererogation, all must surely keep God's law. (Worthington)

Verse 14

Me. What a contrast! (Haydock) --- This was only a counsel, mine a law! (Tirinus)

Verse 19

Before me, in an honourable situation (1 Paralipomenon ii. 55.) about the temple. It was not requisite that they should be Levites. (Calmet) --- For ever. Their reward shall be eternal bliss. (Haydock) --- This they sought for, as they were strangers of Madian in the country, ver. 7. (Menochius)

Verse 22

CHAPTER XXXV.