and to speak to the priests of the house of the LORD of Armies and to the prophets, saying, “Should I weep in the fifth month, separating myself, as I have done these so many years?”
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 3. The fifth month. They fasted on the tenth day of the fifth month; because on that day the temple was burnt. Therefore they inquire whether they are to continue that fast after the temple is rebuilt. See this query answered verse 19 of the following chapter. Challoner.—The third of the seventh month (verse 5) was also a fast, on account of the death of Godolias, ( Calmet.) during the captivity. 4 Kennicott. 25:8. 25. Worthington.—Septuagint “Has the sanctification entered hither in the fifth month, as they (or I) have done?” and so forth Bible.—Fasting and lamentation are styled sanctification, because they promote it; curatos quoque sanctificat; (Saint Jerome) if the proper conditions be observed. Bible.