XLVII. (1) AGAINST THE PHILISTINES. — Here also we have, as in the preceding chapter, a message connected with Jeremiah 25:20. The Gaza of this verse is the Azzah of that, and the date is fixed at a time prior to Necho’s attack on that city. Writers who, like Hitzig, identify the Oadytis of Herod.... [ Continue Reading ]
BEHOLD, WATERS RISE UP OUT OF THE NORTH. — The reference to the north indicates that the invasion which the prophet contemplates is that of Nebuchadnezzar, not of Pharaoh-necho. For the metaphor of the overflowing river see Jeremiah 46:7; Isaiah 8:7. For “the land and all that is therein” read, as i... [ Continue Reading ]
THE FATHERS SHALL NOT LOOK BACK TO THEIR CHILDREN. — The selfishness of panic was to reach its highest point, and to crush out the instincts of natural affection. Even fathers would be content to save themselves, regardless of their children’s lives.... [ Continue Reading ]
TO CUT OFF FROM TYRUS AND ZIDON. — The two Phœnician cities are coupled with Philistia. Both, as occupying the sea-board of Palestine, were to suffer from Nebuchadnezzar’s invasion. Psalms 83:7 indicates that they were not unfrequently in alliance. In the “helper that remaineth” we have probably a r... [ Continue Reading ]
BALDNESS IS COME UPON GAZA. — The baldness is the outward sign of extremest mourning (Jeremiah 48:37; Isaiah 15:2), perhaps, also, of extremest desolation (Isaiah 7:20). ASHKELON IS CUT OFF... — Better, perhaps, _Ashkelon is speechless._ The LXX. apparently followed a different text, and gives “the... [ Continue Reading ]
O THOU SWORD OF THE LORD... — This is the question and entreaty of the Philistines, “When will there be an end of war?” And the prophet has but one answer: the sword must do its work till it has done what Jehovah had appointed it to do.... [ Continue Reading ]
AGAINST THE SEA SHORE. — In the “sea shore,” as in Ezekiel 25:16, we have the term specially appropriate to the territory of the Philistines.... [ Continue Reading ]