_Then I turned and lifted up_ Or, _again I lifted up, mine eyes_ For the verb שׁוב, _to return_, is often used adverbially; _and behold a flying roll_ That is, _a roll of a book_, as the expression is Jeremiah 36:2; Ezekiel 2:9; the ancient way of writing being upon long scrolls of parchment, which... [ Continue Reading ]
_The length thereof is twenty cubits_, &c. Such scrolls for writing were usually longer than they were broad; so this was represented as ten yards in length, and five in breadth. The roll was very large, to show what a number of curses would come upon the wicked. _Then said he, This is the curse_, &... [ Continue Reading ]
_The angel that talked with me went forth_ Or rather, _went on_, as the verb יצא often signifies; (see 2 Chronicles 21:19; Jeremiah 25:32;) and so it may signify at the end of this verse, and in the next, where it occurs again. _And I said, What is it?_ What does this signify, or, what thing is this... [ Continue Reading ]
_Then lifted I up mine eyes_, &c. Great difficulties attend the interpretation of this part of the vision, and commentators are much divided upon it. According to Calmet, the woman enclosed in the ephah denoted the iniquity of Babylon; the mass of lead which fell down upon her was the vengeance of t... [ Continue Reading ]