Ephraim surrounds me with falsehood, and the house of Israel with deceit. Judah still strays from God, and is unfaithful to the Holy One.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 12. Denials; refusing to adhere to my worship. Bible.—They wished to unite it with that of idols. 3 Kennicott. 18. Calmet.—Saints. The priests and temple are preserved in Juda. Ezechias brought the people to serve God faithfully, while Israel was led captive. Septuagint “the house of Israel and Juda with impiety. Now God hath known them lovingly, and it shall be called the holy people of God.” Thus both kingdoms were criminal, and God exercised his mercy towards both. Bible.—The Jews relate that when their ancestors were pursued by the Egyptians, and the people were desponding, Juda signalized his courage by entering the bed of the sea. Saint Jerome—These traditions are suspicious. Calmet.