Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine. Ephraim also is the defense of my head. Judah is my scepter.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 7. King. They wish long life to the king, expecting that the predictions of the prophets insured to them temporal dominion. But when they saw Zorobabel possess no such splendour, they were naturally taught to extend their thoughts to the Messias, of whom the Chal. and ancient Jews, as well as the Fathers, explain this passage. Calmet.—Chal. “the days of the future world thou wilt add to the days of the king, the Messias. His years shall be like the generations of this world, and the generations of the world to come.” Eternity is clearly meant. If David speaks of himself, and of his successors on the throne for many ages, he must be considered as a figure of Christ, who is also designated. Bert.—The Church will continue to the end, and be triumphant throughout eternity. Worthington.