Historical chapter commentary
Verse 1. Drought, during the last siege, (verse 18. Saint Jerome) or after the captivity of Jechonias; (Calmet. 8:13) though the famine might happen in the days of Josias. Joel 1. Calmet.—This scourge was in punishment of sin, and signified the privation of grace. Worthington.
Verse 3. Water. Siloe was the only spring near, and it was often dry, (Saint Jerome) though it was formerly abundant, (Jos. Bel. vi. 6.) as well as the fountain of Gehon. The city was furnished with cisterns. Calmet.—But all was now dry. Bible.—Heads; mourning. 2 Kennicott. 15:30.
Verse 5. Field. They prefer places frequented by men. Pliny viii. 32.
Verse 6. Wind, for refreshment.—Failed, through want, though they be very piercing.
Verse 7. Sake. We have the honour to be called thy people. We urge no merit of our own.
Verse 8. Lodge. The Fathers apply this to our Saviour, in a spiritual sense. Calmet.
Verse 9. Wandering. Septuagint “sleeping;” ( Bible.) or as a boaster, who thinks himself strong. Worthington.—Upon us. Shall strangers rule over thy people?
Verse 10. Rested. They are inconstant, fond of novelties, and apply to idols.
Verse 11. Good, that the drought may be removed. Calmet. See Calmet. 7:16 and 11:14. Menochius.—“It is folly to pray for him who has sinned unto death,” (Saint Jerome 1 Jo. verse 16) by final impenitence. Calmet.—Sacrifices will not benefit the impenitent. Saint Jerome
Verse 13. Ah. Hebrew has only one exclamation, or three letters, which Aquila renders, Ah, ah, ah. Calmet. 1:6. Ezekiel 4:14. Bible.—Jeremias lays the blame on false prophets. Calmet.—Yet they afford no excuse to thy followers. Both fall into the ditch. Worthington.
Verse 17. My. Septuagint “your eyes.” Jeremias shews by his tears the future misery. Calmet.—Virgin. Though many were sinners, the Church had some just souls. Worthington.
Verse 18. Famine. Under Jechonias many were slain, and the chiefs carried into captivity. 4 Kennicott. 24:12.—Into. Hebrew “through the land, and are ignorant.” Chal. “they apply to their business, to earthly concerns, and care not.” Calmet. 5:31.
Verse 21. Glory; heaven, the temple or Jerusalem. How will infidels blaspheme!
Verse 22. Rain. Let not the people have recourse to idols, ( Calmet.) in despair. Bible.