“In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied. The travelers walked through byways.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 6. The paths rested. The ways to the sanctuary of God were unfrequented; and men walked in the bye-ways of error and sin. Challoner.—Though Samgar and Jehel were so remarkable for their valour, as they had manifested on a late occasion, yet they did not prevent the incursions of the enemy both on the south and north. Bible.—The merchants durst not travel, as usual, through the country. Drusius.—God had threatened the faithless Israel with this punishment, Leviticus 26:22. Lament. 1:4. Isaiah 23:8. Calmet.—They that went by them formerly without apprehension, are now forced to seek out bye-ways. Bible.—Thus was justly punished the negligence of those who observed not the festivals of the Lord, nor frequented his tabernacle. Menochius.