THAT PHARAOH - Pharaoh-Necho though defeated at Carchemish, was probably able to seize Gaza upon his retreat, when obviously the possession of so strong a fortress would be most useful to him to prevent the entrance of the victorious Chaldaeans into Egypt.... [ Continue Reading ]
WATERS RISE UP - A metaphor for the assembling of an army (compare the marginal references). OUT OF THE NORTH - The Chaldaean army must cross the Euphrates at Carchemish. AN OVERFLOWING FLOOD - Or, “torrent.” To understand the metaphors of the Bible we must keep the natural phenomena of the countr... [ Continue Reading ]
HIS STRONG HORSES - War-horses, chargers. THE RUSHING OF HIS CHARIOTS - Rather, the rattling, the crashing noise which they make as they advance. FOR FEEBLENESS OF HANDS - The Philistines flee in such panic that a father would not even turn round to see whether his sons were effecting their escape... [ Continue Reading ]
BECAUSE OF THE DAY THAT COMETH TO SPOIL - “Because” the day has come “to devastate.” The Philistines are called Tyre’s remaining (i. e., last) helper, because all besides who could have assisted her have already succumbed to the Chaldaean power. The judgment upon Philistia was in connection with th... [ Continue Reading ]
BALDNESS - Extreme mourning (see Jeremiah 16:6). IS CUT OFF - Others render, is speechless through grief. WITH THE REMNANT OF THEIR VALLEY - Others, O remnant of their valley, how long wilt thou cut thyself? Their valley is that of Gaza and Ashkelon, the low-lying plain, usually called the Shefela... [ Continue Reading ]