Historical chapter commentary
Verse 1. Graves. They might suppose that they would find treasures in them, as the tombs of Semiramis, Cyrus, and so forth were thus enriched. This inhumanity seems to have taken place before the last siege. Baruch 2:24. Calmet.
Quæque carent ventis et solibus ossa Quirini
Nefas videre dissipabit insoleas. Hor. epod. 16.
—Cruelty and avarice cause persecutors to act thus. Worthington.
Verse 4. Again. Why then do not the people strive to repent?
Verse 7. Stork. These birds retire at the approach of winter to warmer climates. In Poland swallows plunge into marshes, like frogs. If instinct teach them to do so, for their preservation, is it not strange that men should be so inconsiderate?
Verse 8. Falsehood. The impostors have deceived you, and they are themselves taken prisoners. Calmet.
Verse 9. Them. Those who understand, and do not observe the law, are not wise. Worthington.
Verse 10. Others. Idumeans, and so forth Yet most part of the land remained uncultivated. Calmet.—The rest, to verse 13. “they will collect their fruits, says,” and so forth is supplied by Grabe. Bible.
Verse 12. They are. Or, “are they?” and so forth Saint Jerome—No, they are too hardened. Calmet. 6:14.
Verse 13. Gather into Jerusalem, to be butchered. Calmet.—Away. They are now in the greatest distress. Bible.—This probably happened a little before the last siege. Calmet. 14.
Verse 14. Silent, in utter destruction. 1 Kennicott. 2:9. We cannot be in a worse condition.
Verse 16. Dan, by which the Chaldees must pass. Calmet. 4:15. Many have hence inferred that antichrist will be the serpent (verse 17) of the tribe of Dan. Genesis 49:17. Calmet.
Verse 17. Charm. The Chaldees will not be moved to pity ( Menochius.) by any words. Worthington.
Verse 18. Me. God, Jeremias, the people, or rather Jerusalem bewails her children. Calmet.
Verse 19. Sion. Thus the people complain, ( Menochius.) or God answers them that they had no reason to have recourse to idols for protection. Calmet.
Verse 20. Saved. Our hopes of redress are vanished. We must still pine away for want of food. Bible.—The siege continues, though we had been assured it would shortly be terminated. Calmet.—It commenced January 30, A. 3414. Soon after Nabuchodonosor went to meet Pharao, and having defeated him, returned about June, A. 3415, and after 390 days took the city, 27th of July, A. 3416. Usher Calmet. 39:2. Calmet. Ezekiel 4:5. Bible.
Verse 21. I. Jeremias. Menochius.—The prophet continues to speak in the next chap.
Verse 22. Balm, (resina) “turpentine,” ( Calmet.) which was much used. Dioscor. i. 66.—Galaad was famous for the best. Calmet. 46:11. Genesis 37:25.—Closed? Have I not sent prophets? But they will not be healed. Calmet.