Who is this that comes out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all the fragrant powders of the merchant?
Read Chapter 3
Aquinas Study Bible
AD 2017
What is that coming: For from long ago we the nations have been desolate toward God, but now by the grace of God we are citizens, fellow heirs of Christ. Therefore the church of the Gentiles he calls the desert place has become a city of God.
smoke: As smoke from fire comes out from a fire and is taken up into the air, so the good mystery of Christ was spread abroad giving notice, going up from earth to heaven (St. Hippolytus)
Who. The female companions of the spouse, (Calmet) or the bridegroom's friends, (Menochius) admire her at a distance, chap. vi. 9., and viii. 5. (Calmet)
The converted Gentiles change the desert of the world into a paradise, by their good works, which ascend like a perfume. (St. Gregory) They admire their own conversion, and proclaim that we must fight for heaven, (Worthington) and adore Christ, the God-man; imitating all his virtues, (Haydock) and preaching his gospel. (Menochius)
