Historical chapter commentary
Verse 1. Waters, which in that country are very scarce.—Milk. Septuagint “fat.” Calmet.—In the western Churches, wine and honey were given to the new baptized. Calmet. 7:15. Saint Jerome—Christ invites all to come to him. John 4:14,. and 7:37. The establishment of the Church is described under the figure of the return from Babylon. Calmet.—Grace is offered to all. But only those are justified who thirst, and do their best. Matthew 5:6. Worthington.
Verse 3. David. I will be equally faithful to you. Psalms 88:29. Septuagint “the holy things of David faithful.” Acts 13:34. The resurrection of Christ fully accomplished the promise made to David.
Verse 4. Him. David, who continually proclaimed the divine mercies, (Psalms 17:1) or rather Christ; though Grotius alone would refer it to Jeremias. Calmet.
Verse 5. Not with approbation. Bible.—The Gentiles are converted.
Verse 6. Near. He will shortly ( Calmet.) turn to the Gentiles. John 12:35. Acts 13:46. Bible.
Verse 7. Way. This is a necessary preliminary to God’s service. Worthington.
Verse 8. My ways. I am not vindictive, but require a sincere conversion. Calmet.—We cannot serve both God and the world. We must therefore adhere to the former. Worthington.
Verse 11. Sent it. I will assuredly bring you from Babylon; and the rain shall sooner return upwards than I will break my promise.
Verse 12. Peace, by strangers. Calmet. 49:22.—Hands, for joy. Calmet.—Ipsa sonant arbusta Deus Deus ille, Menacla. Virg. Ec. 5.
Verse 13. Myrtle-tree. Instead of the wicked, the just shall be seen. Chal.—Away. The conversion and sanctity of the Gentiles shall be a trophy to the Lord. Menochius.