Verse 1

Graves. They might suppose that they would find treasures in them, as the tombs of Semiramis, Cyrus, &c., were thus enriched. This inhumanity seems to have taken place before the last siege, Baruch ii. 24. (Calmet) Quæque carent ventis et solibus ossa Quirini

Nefas videre dissipabit insoleas.----- (Horace, epod. 16.)

--- Cruelty and avarice cause persecutors to act thus. (Worthington)

Verse 4

Again. Why then do not the people strive to repent?

Verse 7

Stork. These birds retire at the approach of winter to warmer climates. In Poland swallows plunge into marshes, like frogs. If instinct teach them to do so, for their preservation, is it not strange that men should be so inconsiderate?

Verse 8

Falsehood. The impostors have deceived you, and they are themselves taken prisoners. (Calmet)

Verse 9

Them. Those who understand, and do not observe the law, are not wise. (Worthington)

Verse 10

Others. Idumeans, &c. Yet most part of the land remained uncultivated. (Calmet) --- The rest, to ver. 13., "they will collect their fruits, says," &c., is supplied by Grabe. (Haydock)

Verse 12

They are. Or, "are they?" &c. (St. Jerome) --- No, they are too hardened, chap. vi. 14.

Verse 13

Gather into Jerusalem, to be butchered. (Calmet) --- Away. They are now in the greatest distress. (Haydock) --- This probably happened a little before the last siege, chap. xiv.

Verse 14

Silent, in utter destruction, 1 Kings ii. 9. We cannot be in a worse condition.

Verse 16

Dan, by which the Chaldeans must pass, chap. iv. 15. Many have hence inferred that antichrist will be the serpent (ver. 17.) of the tribe of Dan, Genesis xlix. 17. (Calmet)

Verse 17

Charm. The Chaldeans will not be moved to pity (Menochius) by any words. (Worthington)

Verse 18

Me. God, Jeremias, the people, or rather Jerusalem bewails her children. (Calmet)

Verse 19

Sion. Thus the people complain, (Menochius) or God answers them that they had no reason to have recourse to idols for protection. (Calmet)

Verse 20

Saved. Our hopes of redress are vanished. We must still pine away for want of food. (Haydock) --- The siege continues, though we had been assured it would shortly be terminated. (Calmet) --- It commenced January 30, the year of the world 3414. Soon after Nabuchodonosor went to meet Pharao, and having defeated him, returned about June, the year of the world 3415, and after 390 days took the city, 27th of July, the year of the world 3416. (Usher) (Chap. xxxix. 2.) (Calmet) (Ezechiel iv. 5.) (Haydock)

Verse 21

I. Jeremias. (Menochius) --- The prophet continues to speak in the next chapter.

Verse 22

Balm, (resina) "turpentine," (Calmet) which was much used. (Dioscor. i. 66.) --- Galaad was famous for the best, chap. xlvi. 11., and Genesis xxxvii. 25. --- Closed? Have I not sent prophets? But they will not be healed. (Calmet)

Verse 34

CHAPTER VIII.