As a fountain casteth out her waters. — The English is plain enough, but the Hebrew presents two difficulties: (1) The word rendered “fountain” (better, cistern) is not spelt with the usual vowels, and the etymology of the verb is quite uncertain. It has been rendered, As a cisterngathers” or “keeps in,” or “keeps its waters cool,” or “lets them flow.” The general meaning is probably given by the Authorised Version. Jerusalem was literally “overflowing” with wickedness.

Grief. — Better, sickness. The word and the imagery are the same as in Isaiah 1:5.

Continues after advertising
Continues after advertising