Notes, Critical and Explanatory, on the Holy Scriptures

She is thought to have been his wife, and to have been styled prophetess, with reference to his office. St. Jerome, however, observes, that " some interpret the prophetess of holy Mary." She may have been present to his contemplation as the object of prophecy, who herself prophesied.

" Isaiah is ordered to call by these names the same child, who before was styled Emmanuel." St. Jerome.

By his command and in his presence. Theglath-phalaesar, in the fourth year of Achas, which is called, in 4 Kings 15 : 29, 30, the twentieth year of Joathan, overthrew the kingdom of Damascus, and led away into captivity great numbers of the subjects of Phacee, King of Israel.

The wings of his army: "that is, with his captains and a countless multitude of men, he has over- spread, but not got possession of the land of Emmanuel, which is defended by God." St Jerome.

Although this may be understood of Isaiah and his children, it suits Emmanuel in a higher and stricter sense. Heb. 2 : 14. "The Blessed Apostle, in the Epistle to the Hebrews, teaches that this testi- mony should be understood in the person of the Lord our Savior." St. Jerome.

The sentence is elliptical; the meaning Is: should they seek of the dead^knowledge for tho living, and not rather have recourse to God?

This version is supported by R., who applauds the following interpretation of St. Jerome: " He therefore teaches his disciples, and refers to the law and the testimony : if you doubt of anything, know that it is written : * These nations, which the Lord thy Qod shall destroy from before thee, hearken to dreams and soothsayers : but thou art otherwise instructed by the Lord thy God 1 The Lord your God shall raise up for you a prophet from among your brethren, like to me : Him ye shall hear.* Wherefore if you wish to resolve your doubts, consult rather the law and the testimonies of the Scriptures. But if your assembly will not seek the word of the Lord, it shall not have the light of truth, but shall be in the darkness of error."

In their distress and sufferings, they blaspheme God their king.

The child spoken of in the preceding chapter, v. 14. The land of Juda was His, because as son of David He reigns forever in the house of Jacob. The prophet, whilst describing the ravages of the Assyrians In Judea, was raised to the contemplation of Emmanuel, whom he apostrophizes, reminding Him that the land which is overrun by a fierce soldiery is His own. This interpretation is supported by R.