Ver. 1
Waters, which in that country are very scarce.
Milk. Septuagint, “fat.” (Calmet)
In the western Churches, wine and honey were given to the new baptized, chap. vii. 15. (St. Jerome)
Christ invites all to come to him, John iv. 14,. and vii. 37. The establishment of the Church is described under the figure of the return from Babylon. (Calmet)
Grace is offered to all. But only those are justified who thirst, and do their best, Matthew v. 6. (Worthington)
Ver. 3
David. I will be equally faithful to you, Psalm lxxxviii. 29. Septuagint, “the holy things of David faithful,“ Acts xiii. 34. The resurrection of Christ fully accomplished the promise made to David.
Ver. 4
Him. David, who continually proclaimed the divine mercies, (Psalm xvii. 1.) or rather Christ; though Grotius alone would refer it to Jeremias. (Calmet)
Ver. 5
Not with approbation. (Haydock)
The Gentiles are converted.
Ver. 6
Near. He will shortly (Calmet) turn to the Gentiles, John xii. 35., and Acts xiii. 46. (Haydock)
Ver. 7
Way. This is a necessary preliminary to God’s service. (Worthington)
Ver. 8
My ways. I am not vindictive, but require a sincere conversion. (Calmet)
We cannot serve both God and the world. We must therefore adhere to the former. (Worthington)
Ver. 11
Sent it. I will assuredly bring you from Babylon; and the rain shall sooner return upwards than I will break my promise.
Ver. 12
Peace, by strangers, chap. xlix. 22.
Hands, for joy. (Calmet)
Ipsa sonant arbusta Deus Deus ille, Menacla. (Virgil, Eclogues v.)
Ver. 13
Myrtle-tree. Instead of the wicked, the just shall be seen. (Chaldean)
Away. The conversion and sanctity of the Gentiles shall be a trophy to the Lord. (Menochius)