George Leo Haydock

Rule, as a shepherd, ( poimaneis ) as it is cited [in] Apocalypse ii. 26. But he is speaking of vengeance taken on the rebellious; and we might translate, “Thou shalt break,” &c. (Calmet) — Yet this is not necessary, as a shepherd sometimes beats with severity, to prevent his sheep from straying. (Haydock) — The Church guides also use coercion, but for the good of the flock. (Calmet) — God brought the murderers of his Son to an evil end, and destroyed their city. (Haydock) — He broke the Gentiles, to make them a more noble vessel, Jeremias xviii. 4. (St. Hilary) — He will execute judgment at the last day, Apocalypse xix. 11. (Calmet) — When the clay is still soft, the vessel may easily be repaired; so the sinner may be reclaimed, when he has only just fallen. (St. Jerome) — Even the most obdurate, are as clay in God’s hands. (Worthington)