19
The women, girded with sackcloth under their breasts, thronged the streets. The virgins who were kept indoors ran together, some to the gates, others to the walls, and some looked out through the windows.
Highlighted
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 19. Shut up. Hence they were styled alamoth, “hidden,” till they were married. Nothing could give a better idea of the distress of the city. Calmet.—These virgins remained in places near the temple, spending their time in prayer, fasting, and works of piety, till they were espoused. 1 Kennicott. 2:22. Saint Ambrose virg. 1. S. Nys. or Nativ. S. Damas iv. 13. Worthington.—There also pious widows dwelt.—Walls of the temple, which they were not allowed to pass. Menochius.—The city seemed to be taken by an enemy. Calmet.
Private to this browser.