They have heard that I sigh: there is none to comfort me: all my enemies have heard of my trouble; they are glad that you have done it: you will bring the day that you have announced, and they shall be like unto me.
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George Leo Haydock
AD 1849
Done it. They conclude that I am cast off for ever. But when I shall be comforted, their turn will come; (Calmet) or rather they will feel the scourge soon after me.
Consolation. Hebrew, "which thou hast appointed. "(Haydock) (Chap. xlviii. 26., and Ezechiel xxv.)
THEY HAVE HEARD: the second topic of indignation; for it shows to whom this act principally pertains, that is to God himself, whom the enemies have despised in their own affairs, whence: Let all their evil be present.
Historical interpretation THEY HAVE HEARD: there is none who doubts that the gentiles, surrounding Jerusalem, abused her captivities. In fact, they rejoiced that she had been deprived the help of God, whom they envied standing firm among so many tempests. THAT THOU HAST DONE IT: she brings God’s judgement into the reckoning, from which she does not ignore that all things are ordered. THOU HAST BROUGHT A DAY OF CONSOLATION: these are the words of the prophet, who announces the forthcoming consolation to comfort the captured people as if it were something past, because he sees it so clearly. He speaks in a rhetorical manner, to procure the favor of the judge and to instigate against the enemies.
Allegorical interpretation THEY HAVE HEARD: the Church deplores her own t...
Sin- ‘of teeth’, that is of preachers or of thoughts.
they- the enemies.
I sigh- with the spouse absent.
comfort me- with the Spirit gone.
my enemies- demons, heretics, wicked Catholics.
my evil- affliction
has done it- you have allowed by your just judgement.
has brought- that is you shall bring.
day- of judgement.
like unto me- captives, afflicted.
One is here accused of faults towards others. First, one is faulted for each of aid. As said: "Hear how I groan; there is none to comfort me." Namely, like the Egyptians, or others in whom I can trust. Like the utterance of Jeremiah 31:15: "Thus says the Lord; 'A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentat ion and bitter weeping."
Second, Judah (Jerusalem) is pointed out as a delight to her enemies. As Verse 21 continues: "all my enemies have heard of my trouble; they are glad that thou hast done it." And Psalm l3(l2):4 states: "Lest my enemy say, 'I have prevailed over him'; lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken."
Third, Judah (Jerusalem) is, as if, secure within divine justice. As Verse 21 concludes: "Bring thou the day thou hast announced, and let them be as I am." Namely, you (O Lord) lend them to their destruction, as a surety of comfort to me Judah (Jerusalem), now having like griefs and afflictions. As Isaiah 65:13 states: "Behold my servant shall eat, but you shall be hungry."
