Rideth — As a general in the head of his army. A swift cloud — This phrase shews that the judgment should come speedily, unexpectedly, and unavoidably. Shall be moved — So far shall they be from helping the Egyptians, that they shall tremble for themselves.... [ Continue Reading ]
I will set — Egypt was now one kingdom, but not many years after this time it was divided into twelve kingdoms, between whom there were many and cruel wars.... [ Continue Reading ]
The spirit — Their courage.... [ Continue Reading ]
A fierce king — Psammetichus, who being at first one of those twelve kings, waged war with the rest, and subdued them, and conquered all the land of Egypt and ruled it with rigour.... [ Continue Reading ]
The waters — Which may be understood either, Metaphorically, of the taking away of their dominion or commerce, &c. or rather, Properly, as may be gathered from the following words. For as the river Nile, when it had a full stream, and free course, did pour forth a vast quantity of waters by its seve... [ Continue Reading ]
Rivers — The rivers (those rivulets by which the waters of Nile were distributed into several parts of the land) shall be turned far away, as they must needs be, when the river which fed them was dried up. Brooks — The several branches of the river Nile, which were a great defence to Egypt. Reeds —... [ Continue Reading ]
Paper — reeds — These by a needle, or other fit instrument, were divided into thin and broad leaves, which being dried and fitted, were used at that time for writing; and consequently was a very good commodity. By brooks — And much more what was sown in more dry and unfruitful places.... [ Continue Reading ]
Mourn — Because they could catch no fish; which was a great loss to the people, whose common diet this was.... [ Continue Reading ]
They — That make fine linen, which was one of their best commodities.... [ Continue Reading ]
Thereof — Of Egypt, or of the Egyptians. They shall lose their hopes; for the fishes in them shall die for want of water.... [ Continue Reading ]
Zoan — The chief city, in which the king and court frequently resided. How — Why do you put such foolish words into Pharaoh's mouth? I am the son — Wisdom is heredity and natural to me.... [ Continue Reading ]
Noph — Another chief city, and one of the kings seats, called also Moph, and by latter authors, Memphis. The stay — Their chief counsellors. Tribes — Of the provinces, which he calls by a title borrowed from the Hebrews, in whose language he spake and wrote this prophecy.... [ Continue Reading ]
Mingled — Or, hath poured out or given them to drink. To err — In all their designs and undertakings. Staggereth — When he is so drunk, that he reels to and fro, and vomits up his drink.... [ Continue Reading ]
Head, &c. — All people, both high and low, shall be at their wits end.... [ Continue Reading ]
Women — Feeble and fearful. Because — Because they shall perceive that they do not fight with men only, but with the Lord of hosts, who now lifts up his hand against them, as he did against their forefathers.... [ Continue Reading ]
A terror — Because of their manifold injuries against Judah, for which they now apprehend God is calling them to account. Determined — Because God is now about to execute his appointed judgments. It — Against Egypt.... [ Continue Reading ]
In that day — After that time. In the times of the gospel. Five — A considerable number of their chief cities: a certain number being put for an uncertain. Speak — Profess the Jewish religion, agree with them in the same mind; which is fitly signified by speaking the same language. Swear — This impl... [ Continue Reading ]
An altar — The altar is put for the worship of God, as it is in many places both of the Old and New Testament. And nothing is more common in the prophets than to speak of gospel — worship in the phrases of the law. Pillar — A monument of the true religion. Here also he alludes to the ancient custom... [ Continue Reading ]
It — The altar or pillar last mentioned. A witness — To testify that they own the Lord for their God. Cry — Being sorely distressed, they shall turn unto the true God. A great one — A great or mighty Saviour, even Christ.... [ Continue Reading ]
Shall sacrifice — Shall worship God spiritually; which yet is signified by typical phrases.... [ Continue Reading ]
Smite — God will afflict them and by those afflictions will convert and save them.... [ Continue Reading ]
Assyria — They who were implacable enemies one to another, and both to the church of God, shall now be reconciled and united together in the service of God, and love to his church. Serve — The Lord.... [ Continue Reading ]
The third — The third party, in that sacred league, whereby all of them oblige themselves to serve God. Egypt — These are named, because they were the most obstinate enemies to God's church, but they are here put for all the Gentiles. A blessing — This is peculiar to Israel, who is not only a third... [ Continue Reading ]
Whom — That is, which people, Israel, Egypt, and Assyria; of whom he speaks as of one people, because they are all united into one church. My people — This title, and those which follow, that were peculiar to the people of Israel, shall now be given to these and all other nations.... [ Continue Reading ]