Thomas Aquinas

Here he aggravates the fault from the obstinacy of the mind: and first, because they did not recognize their sin; second, because they were multiplying it, there, "of old you have broken my yoke." Concerning the first, three points. First he takes an argument from the punishments of the fault, excluding servile condition, lest on this account she seem to have been justly brought into servitude. A home-born slave, who is born in the master's house: as if to say, no. John 8: we are the seed of Abraham, and have never served anyone. Proposing the diversity of punishments as to the captivity of men: why then has he become a prey? Lions — the princes of the Chaldeans; voice — precepts or wars. As to the devastation of the region, they have set. Isaiah 1: your land is desolate, your cities are destroyed. As to the violation of women: the children also — the cities of Egypt — even to the crown of the head, abusing against nature, sparing no member. Or spiritually, through idolatry, contaminating even the steadfast. Lamentations, the last chapter: they humbled the women in Sion, and the virgins in the cities of Judah. And concluding the true reason: has not this been done to you, because you have forsaken the Lord your God? He led, prosperously. For he did not forsake you; rather, you forsook him. Daniel 9: because we have withdrawn from you, and have not heeded the voice of the Lord our God, that we might walk in his law which he set before us through his servants the prophets (...) the curse has dropped upon us. Second, the useless remedy is set down, which they applied against punishments of this kind. From which it is clear that they did not recognize their sin, hoping in the help of the nations: hence he sets down the seeking of help, and now what do you want for yourself? As if to say: you ought not to avoid punishments in this way, but by placating God. In the way of Egypt — sending for help; the water — of the Nile; the river — of the Euphrates, which is of the Assyrians. Isaiah 30: you who walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked my mouth. Against the recognition of the aforesaid fault: it will convict — malice — when you shall bear the punishments for it. Isaiah 3: the show of their countenance will answer them, and they have proclaimed their sin as Sodom. Third, he applies a useful counsel, that they may recognize their sin: know — evil, dishonorable, bitter, full of punishment. Zephaniah 1: the voice of the bitter day of the Lord, the mighty man shall be in tribulation there.