Verse 2

Fifth. The parallel passages and other editions read ninth. Some pretend that (Calmet) the city was taken on the 5th of the 4th month, and after being pillaged was burnt on the 7th (4 Kings xxiv. 8.) or 10th of the 5th month, chap. lii. 12. (Sanctius; Cornelius a Lapide) --- But the city was taken on the 9th of the 4th month, and Nabuzardan entered on the 7th of the 5th month, and burnt it and the temple on the 10th. (Salien, &c.) (Calmet) --- From the beginning of the siege (the year of the world 3414) to the end (the year 3416.; Usher), two years and a half elapsed. It was interrupted a short time. Two fasts are still observed by the Jews to deplore these events, Zacharias vii. 3., and viii. 19.

Verse 3

Neregel, Sereser. Perhaps Nabuzardan should be read, (ver. 13.; Haydock) or these names are mentioned twice, probably by mistake of transcribers. The former was an idol; (4 Kings xvii. 30.) the latter word means "treasurer." (Calmet) --- (Protestants) Nergal-Sharezer seems to be one person, as in Septuagint, or "treasurer of Nergel." (Haydock) --- Samgar-nebu, was "prefect of the temple of Nabo." --- Sarsachim, "prince of the sacæ, or Scythians." --- Rabsares, "master of the eunuchs," or officers within the palace. Such a one was employed by Sennacherib, 4 Kings xviii. 17. --- Rebmag, "chief of the magi," (Calmet) or "master of the camp." (Junius) --- These entered the first wall, chap i. 15., and Isaias xxii. 7.

Verse 4

Walls. This gate had not yet been seized, (Calmet) leading to Jericho, ver. 5. (Haydock) (Ezechiel xii. 4.) --- Roman Septuagint passes over the next 12 verses, which seem to be taken from 4 Kings xxv. 4. (Calmet) --- Grabe supplies ver. 4. to 13., inclusively. "And they sent," &c., which is well connected with ver. 3. --- The possession of one gate would let all the army enter: whereupon Sedecias fled by a postern gate. (Worthington)

Verse 5

In the land, or environs of Emesa, in Syria. (Theodoret) --- Judgment. Reproaching him with perfidy and ingratitude. (Worthington) --- He slew the nobles, as his accomplices.

Verse 9

Army. Hebrew, "slayers," denoting soldiers, cooks, and sacrificers, Genesis xxxvii. 36. --- Remained, having escaped the sword, &c. They had been spared when Joakim and Jechonias were taken.

Verse 10

Cisterns, and fields, 4 Kings xxv. 12. They were thus attached to the Chaldeans.

Verse 11

Had given, after the prisoners had got to Rama, chap. xl. 1.

Verse 13

Nabusezban perhaps stand for Semegar, Nabu, and Sarsachim. The other four officers occur [in] ver. 3. (Calmet)

Verse 14

Godolias. The Jews say he had gone over to assist the Chaldeans. (Tirinus)

Verse 18

Saved. Hebrew, "a booty," chap. xxi. 9. Thus God rewards what is done to his servants, Matthew xxv. 40. (Calmet)

Verse 26

CHAPTER XXXIX.