Bible Commentaries

7. And he knew their desolate palaces, etc. — R.V., “knew their palaces” (or, “widows”). With a change of one letter the text becomes “he brake down,” etc. Cornill, by some further alteration, obtains the reading which Dr. Skinner has adopted above. Kautzsch refuses to translate because of the evident corruption of the text.

10. Like a vine in thy blood — This phrase is exceptionally corrupt and has been translated “on a pomegranate,” “a vine of Carmel,” “in thy likeness,” “in [the time of] thy rest,” etc. Davidson prefers “in her height.” Orelli and Toy think the best suggestion is that of Calmet, who translates, “as a vine of thy vineyard;” Plumptre, “in thy life, thy freshness.” On the figure of speech used see notes Ezekiel 17:6-10.

11. Rods — Perhaps, a strong rod (LXX.).

For — Rather, growing up into.

Scepters of them that bare rule — Rather, for royal scepters (or, “rulers’ staffs”).

Among the thick branches — Rather, high among the clouds, or, as Kautzsch, high up between thick twigs. (Compare Orelli.)

14. A rod of her branches — Or, from her rod of branches. The conflagration which devoured Jerusalem and the kingdom of Judah was started among her firebrand princes.

Shall be for a lamentation — Rather, is become a lamentation (Ezekiel 32:16). This lamentation appears to have been written before Zedekiah’s captivity. It was the prophecy of a calamity which might have been averted by repentance (Ezekiel 18:21; Ezekiel 18:30), but was not averted (Jeremiah 39, 52).