Now for a little moment grace has been shown from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a stake in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and revive us a little in our bondage.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 8. As a. Prot. “for a little space, grace hath been shewed from the Lord,” ( Bible.) and yet we are again irritating Him! Calmet.—A pin, or nail, here signifies a small settlement or holding; which Esdras begs for, to preserve even a part of the people, who, by their great iniquity, had incurred the anger of God. Challoner.—Allusion is made to the pins which fasten down a tent, (Isaiah 33:20 and 54:2) or hinder a ship from being carried from the shore, (Tigur. Menochius.) on which utensils are hung up, (Tournemine) referring to the magistrates, who were now of the same country. Tirinus. Isaiah 22:21. Delrio, adag. 218.—Septuagint “a support.” Hebrew yathed, denotes also a walking-stick, nail, and so forth Menochius.—Eyes, fill us with joy, in perfect security.—Little life, free us from danger. Calmet.—Esdras is afraid to ask for the impunity of all, but only begs that a small part may be spared, like a nail or post from a house, which may serve to rebuild it. Worthington.