Ver. 1
Seven. Many shall sue for a husband, men shall be so scarce. To continue unmarried was reproachful, Deuteronomy vii. 14. (Calmet)
After the conversion of the Gentiles, pastors will be much wanted. (Worthington)
Ver. 2
Bud. That is, Christ, (Challoner) who was faintly prefigured by Zorobabel, Zacharias iii. 8. Our Saviour was the fruit of the earth, and sovereign Lord. (Calmet)
Ver. 3
Life. Only the faithful shall be saved. (Worthington)
The Jews, after the captivity, shall be more obedient. But converts to the faith of Christ are styled saints, (Romans i. 7., &c.) such particularly as are predestined to glory, Romans viii. 30. (Calmet)
Those who are called to life and the true faith, may forfeit this honour, by their own fault. (Menochius)
Ver. 4
Burning. By baptism of water and fire, or of the Holy Ghost. (St. Jerome)
Ver. 5
Protection. God will protect his Church, more than he did the Israelites by the pillar, Exodus xiv. 20. (St. Basil, &c.)