Ezekiel
Verse 1. Princes: sons of Josias, who were so wretched. The latter part of this beautiful canticle, or allegory, (verse 10) regards Sedecias. Calmet.
EXPLANATIONS
Ezekiel 19
Historical chapter commentary
Ezekiel
Verse 2. Lioness; Jerusalem ( Challoner.) which made alliances with the lions, or nations. Calmet.
Ezekiel
Verse 3. Whelps; Joachaz, or Sellum, ( Challoner.) who reigned only three months, like his brother Jechonias. Bible.—The four last kings were all cruel. Worthington.
Ezekiel
Verse 4. But. Hebrew “he was taken in their pit,” (Prot. Bible.) as also verse 8. Septuagint “in his or their corruption.” We do not read that Joachaz fought, ( Calmet.) though this passage insinuates as much. Sanct. 4 Kennicott. 23:30. and so forth
Ezekiel
Verse 5. Lions: Joakim. Challoner.—He reigned eleven years; but was such a monster, that the prophet does not speak of him or bewail his fate. 4 Kennicott. 23:34. Jeremiah 22:19. His words are applicable to Jechonias alone; who was cruel and banished to Babylon. verse 8. Calmet.
Ezekiel
Verse 8. Nations: rovers of Chaldea, Syria, &chapter 4 Kennicott. 24:2. Worthington.—Wounds. Hebrew “pit.” He was besieged, (4 Kennicott. 24:11. Calmet.) and gave himself up. Bible.
Ezekiel
Verse 10. Blood. She has given birth to many kings. Menochius.—The original may be inaccurate, and perhaps should be, “a vine-tree or branch:” ( Calmet.) cormoc instead of bedammecha. Septuagint read kerimmon, “like a rose-flower,” planted, and so forth Bible.—He speaks of Sedecias more obscurely. Calmet.—The kingdom had flourished under David and Solomon. It afterwards lost its splendour under wicked kings, and all the tribes were removed. Worthington.
Ezekiel
Verse 11. Rods. The king had many children, and confided in them, but they were slain.
Ezekiel
Verse 13. Dry; unfit for vine-trees. He speaks of the prison of Babylon. Calmet.—The country was naturally wet. Bible.
Ezekiel
Verse 14. Fire. Ismael, who slew Godolias, was of the royal family. Jeremiah 41. and so forth Calmet.