Since their food failed them, and all their water was scant, they took counsel to kill their livestock, and determined to consume all those things which God charged them by his laws that they should not eat.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 12. Oil. Greek may explain this. “And the first-fruits of corn, and the tithes of wine and of oil, which they had reserved as sacred for the priests, standing in Jerusalem, before our God, they had decreed to consume; though none of the people ought so much as to touch these things. Yet they have sent to obtain permission of the senate at Jerusalem, where the people have done the like. And when they shall have obtained an answer, they will fall to work, and then they will be abandoned to be destroyed by thee.” Bible.—She insinuates that her countrymen are in the utmost distress, and not much attached to religion; ( Calmet.) though in extreme want the distinction of meats is not to be enforces. Bible.