Ezekiel 15 - Introduction
_BY THE UNFITNESS OF THE VINE-BRANCH FOR ANY WORK, IS SHEWED THE REJECTION OF JERUSALEM._ _Before Christ 593._... [ Continue Reading ]
_BY THE UNFITNESS OF THE VINE-BRANCH FOR ANY WORK, IS SHEWED THE REJECTION OF JERUSALEM._ _Before Christ 593._... [ Continue Reading ]
WHAT IS THE VINE-TREE— Houbigant renders it, _What hath the wood of the vine above other branching woods which are amid the trees of the wood?_ The comparison is here made between the trees of the forest and the wild vine; not the fruitful and generous vine, as appears from the words, _among the tre... [ Continue Reading ]
SHALL WOOD BE TAKEN THEREOF— It is observable, that the wood of the vine is of no use in building, or in making any piece of furniture or domestic utensil. Bishop Lowth observes, that it is the chief excellence of a parable to consist of an image which is known and proper to the subject, and whose e... [ Continue Reading ]
THE FIRE DEVOURETH, &C.— A very apt representation of the state of Judea, when both its extremities were consumed by the ravages of the destroyer; and the middle of it, where the capital city stood, was threatened every moment with destruction from the enemy. Instead of, _The midst of it is burned,_... [ Continue Reading ]
THEY SHALL GO OUT FROM ONE FIRE, &C.— "That is, (says Calmet,) if they escape the sword, they shall perish by famine; if they escape the famine, they shall be taken captive by the enemy; they shall fall from one calamity into another." See Psalms 66:12. But Houbigant, displeased with the addition of... [ Continue Reading ]
BECAUSE THEY HAVE COMMITTED A TRESPASS— _Because they have grievously trespassed._ The Vulgate and Chaldee have it, _Because they have been prevaricators._ "They are not mere sinners," says St. Jerome, "like other nations, but have been guilty of prevarication;" for it is one thing to neglect what a... [ Continue Reading ]