For as the girdle cleaveth to the loins of a man, so have I caused to cleave unto me the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah, saith the LORD; that they might be unto me for a people, and for a name, and for a praise, and for a glory: but they would not hear.
My Notes
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
Gill's Exposition
Therefore thou shalt speak unto them this word,.... The following parable:
thus saith the Lord God of Israel; what was to be said is prefaced with these words, to show that it was not a trifling…
Barnes' Notes
The reason why the girdle was chosen as the symbol. Similarly, Israel was the people chosen and set apart that in and by them the Holy Spirit might work for the salvation of mankind.
Here is, I. A sign, the marring of a girdle, which the prophet had worn for some time, by hiding it in a hole of a rock near the river Euphrates. It was usual with the prophets to teach by signs, that…
Cambridge Bible
The aptitude of the symbol is pointed out. Probably, according to an indication given by the Syr. Hex."s rendering, the words "the whole house of Israel and" are a gloss.
Cross References
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