_Evil. Septuagint, "labours." Hebrew, "vanity, or an idol." (Haydock) --- That is called unprofitable, which is very detrimental. (Worthington) --- Morning, suddenly and with zeal. (Calmet) --- Is. Hebrew, "has power," (Chaldean) "they have not raised their hands to God." (Septuagint; Arabic)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Oppressed. Literally, "calumniated," (Haydock) as Jezabel did Naboth, 3 Kings xxi. 13._... [ Continue Reading ]
_Time. It was very near. Micheas saw the ruin of Samaria, under Theglathphalassar and Salmanasar._... [ Continue Reading ]
_Say. The Israelites sing this mournful canticle to ver. 7., which the prophet composes for them, to shew the certainty of the event. It is very difficult. (Calmet) --- The whole synagogue speaks. (Menochius) --- Depart. How do you pretend to say that the Assyrian is departing, when indeed he is com... [ Continue Reading ]
_None. Thou shalt have no longer any lot or inheritance in the land of the people of the Lord. (Challoner) --- Strangers had taken possession. (Calmet) --- Virgil has the like affecting thoughts. (Eclogues i.) Impius hæc tam culta novalia miles habebit? (Haydock)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Drop. That is, the prophecy shall not come upon these. Such were the sentiments of the people that were unwilling to believe the threats of the prophets. (Challoner) --- The princes order the prophets not to inculcate so many miseries. (Worthington) --- Hebrew, "Make it not rain: they will make it... [ Continue Reading ]
_Straitened. Is he inclined to danger? The prophet replies, if God punishes, it is because the people will not repent. (Calmet) --- His mercy is extended to penitents, as well as to the just. (Worthington)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Away. You have often stripped people of their necessary garments; and have treated such as were innocently passing on the way, as if they were at war with you. (Challoner) --- He alludes to Israel attacking Juda without cause, and killing 120,000 at once, while they took 200,000 women and children... [ Continue Reading ]
_Cast out, &c. Either by depriving them of their houses; or, by your crimes, giving occasion to their being carried away captives, and their children, by that means, never learning to praise the Lord. (Challoner) --- The Jews accustomed them to sing God's praises early, while they were still innocen... [ Continue Reading ]
_Corruption. Your sins will not permit you to remain any longer, and strangers shall defile this land. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Would God, &c. The prophet could have wished, out of his love to his people, that he might be deceived in denouncing to them these evils that were to fall upon them: but by conforming himself to the will of God, he declares to them that he is sent to prophesy, literally to let drop upon them, the w... [ Continue Reading ]
_Assemble. God shews his mercy, in gathering his Church out of all nations. (Worthington) --- At least the Jews shall be converted, (Romans xi. 25.; St. Jerome; Eusebius, Dem. ii. 50.) or they shall be butchered by the Assyrians. (Sanct.) --- Men. The country was very populous when the Romans destro... [ Continue Reading ]
_Open. Hebrew, "break down." (Haydock) --- Divide. Hebrew, "make a breach." They shall return boldly, and in triumph. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
CHAPTER II.... [ Continue Reading ]