She hath given her hand. — The words paint the attitude of one who submits and stretches forth his hand, as a sign that he gives himself into the power of the conqueror. (Comp. Ezra 10:19; 2 Chronicles 30:8; Lamentations 5:6.) So in Latin “dare manum” was a synonym for submission (Cic. de Amic. 26).

Her foundations are fallen. — Better, with the LXX., bastions or bulwarks.

As she hath done, do unto her. — We note an identity of thought and almost of language with Psalms 137:8. Had the Psalmist heard the prophecy, or the prophet the psalm? The former seems the more probable alternative.

Continues after advertising
Continues after advertising