Ezekiel 19

Ezekiel 19:1

Princes: sons of Josias, who were so wretched. The latter part of this beautiful canticle, or allegory, (ver. 10.) regards Sedecias. (Calmet)

Ezekiel 19:2

Lioness; Jerusalem (Challoner) which made alliances with the lions, or nations. (Calmet)

Ezekiel 19:3

Whelps; Joachaz, or Sellum, (Challoner) who reigned only three months, like his brother Jechonias. (Haydock) — The four last kings were all cruel. (Worthington)

Ezekiel 19:4

But. Hebrew, “he was taken in their pit,” (Protestants; Haydock) as also [in] ver. 8. Septuagint, “in his or their corruption.” We do not read that Joachaz fought, (Calmet) though this passage insinuates as much. (Sanctius) (4 Kings xxiii. 30., &c.)

Ezekiel 19:5

Lions: Joakim. (Challoner) — He reigned eleven years; but was such a monster, that the prophet does not speak of him or bewail his fate, 4 Kings xxiii. 34., and Jeremias xxii. 19. His words are applicable to Jechonias alone; who was cruel and banished to Babylon, ver. 8. (Calmet)

Ezekiel 19:8

Nations: rovers of Chaldea, Syria, &c., 4 Kings xxiv. 2. (Worthington) — Wounds. Hebrew, “pit.” He was besieged, (4 Kings xxiv. 11.; Calmet) and gave himself up. (Haydock)

Ezekiel 19:10

Blood. She has given birth to many kings. (Menochius) — The original may be inaccurate, and perhaps should be, “a vine-tree or branch:” (Calmet) cormoc instead of bedammecha. Septuagint read kerimmon, “like a rose-flower,” planted, &c. (Haydock) — He speaks of Sedecias more obscurely. (Calmet) — The kingdom had flourished under David and Solomon. It afterwards lost its splendour under wicked kings, and all the tribes were removed. (Worthington)

Ezekiel 19:11

Rods. The king had many children, and confided in them, but they were slain.

Ezekiel 19:13

Dry; unfit for vine-trees. He speaks of the prison of Babylon. (Calmet) — The country was naturally wet. (Haydock)

Ezekiel 19:14

Fire. Ismael, who slew Godolias, was of the royal family, Jeremias xli., &c. (Calmet)

Ezekiel 19:31

CHAPTER XIX.