Then he brought me to the door of the gate of the LORD’s house which was toward the north; and I saw the women sit there weeping for Tammuz.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 14. Adonis, the favourite of Venus, slain by a wild boar, as feigned by the heathen poets, and which being here represented by an idol, is lamented by the female worshippers of that goddess. In Hebrew the name is Tammuz, ( Challoner.) which means “concealed,” as Adonis signifies “my lord.” This idol, which the Egyptians called Osiris, was placed in a coffin, and bewailed till it was pretended he was come to life, when rejoicings took place. Obscene pictures were carried about; and the more honest pagans were ashamed of these practices, which began in Egypt, and became almost general. Moses alludes to them, Leviticus 19:27. Deuteronomy 14:1. Calmet.—David and Solomon say that the image was made of brass, with eyes of lead, which seemed to weep, melting when it was hot. Worthington.—But this is destitute of proof.