And rain shall be given to thy seed, wheresoever thou shalt sow in the land: and the bread of the corn of the land shall be most plentiful, and fat. The lamb in that day shall feed at large in thy possession:

“For "in a good heart wisdom will rest," and "he that fears the Lord shall find knowledge with righteousness." But that we must attain to spiritual knowledge in the order of which we have already spoken, we are taught also by the blessed apostle. For when he wanted not merely to draw up a list of all his own virtues but rather to describe their order, that he might explain which follows what, and which gives birth to what, after some others he proceeds as follows: "In watchings, in fastings, in chastity, in knowledge, in long suffering, in gentleness, in the Holy Spirit, in love unfeigned." And by this enumeration of virtues he evidently meant to teach us that we must come from watchings and fastings to chastity, from chastity to knowledge, from knowledge to long suffering, from long suffering to gentleness, from gentleness to the Holy Spirit, from the Holy Spirit to the rewards of love unfeigned. When then by this system and in this order you too have come to spiritual knowledge, you will certainly have, as we said, not barren or idle learning but what is vigorous and fruitful. And the seed of the word of salvation that has been committed by you to the hearts of your hearers will be watered by the plentiful showers of the Holy Spirit that will follow. And according to this the prophet promised, "The rain will be given to your seed, wherever you shall sow in the land, and the bread of the corn of the land shall be most plentiful and fat."”

“And He shall give I.e., the Holy One, blessed be He, shall give the rain for your seed. fat (וְשָׁמֵן) an expression of fat. Therefore, its accent is below (on the last syllable) and it is voweled with a kamatz (tzeireh). a fattened lamb until the lambs will become fat and wide. lamb (כַּר) a lamb. Alternatively, a wide plain. Comp. (Gen. 12:10) “the plain (כִּכַּר) of the Jordan,” (below 32:15) “Carmel,” meaning a wide plain, full of grain.”

“Woe, sons. In this part the prophet threatens against those who despised the prophecy of Jeremiah, going into Egypt against his counsel, as is found in Jeremiah 43. And it is divided into two. In the first he threatens against the Jews alone; in the second against the Jews and the Egyptians together, in whom they trusted: chapter 31, Woe to those who go down. Or, according to the Gloss, in the first part he forbids the going down, in the second he threatens punishment against those going down. The first into two. In the first he sets forth the threat; in the second, consolation, therefore he waits. The first into two. In the first he reproves the going-down; second, the contempt of the divine precept, therefore I have cried out. Concerning the first he reproves three things in them. First, the disposition of the journey, setting forth their purpose, that you might take counsel ... a web, a wicked contrivance; and the resulting effect, that you might add: 2 Paralipomenon 28: Why do you wish to add sins upon sins? Second, he sets forth the execution of the plan as regards the going of the way, who walk; which is marred by the contempt of the divine counsel, my mouth, the prophet. Jeremiah 15: If you separate the precious from the vile, you shall be as my mouth: because what he said to do you were unwilling to do. And through confidence in human help, having confidence. Jeremiah 17: Cursed is the man who trusts in man, and makes flesh his arm. And he sets forth the effect: and it shall be to you, Hosea 4: I will change their glory into shame. Hence as to the terminus of the way — for they had gone into Tahpanhes, which is only in another part of Egypt — as though fearing to remain at the first borders. Jeremiah 2: What do you want in the way of Egypt, that you should drink muddy water? And he shows the failure of hope: they are all confounded. Psalm 145: Trust not in princes. Third, he describes the carrying away of goods, the burden of the beasts of burden, first threatening the destruction of Egypt: the burden of the sons of Judah. Of the beasts of burden, on account of their stupidity; or because, like beasts of burden, they carried their own goods. Of the south, because they fled toward the south, or because their dwelling was in the southern region. In the land of tribulation, in Egypt, which in Hebrew is called Mesraim, which is interpreted tribulation, or anguish. Jeremiah 42: The sword which you fear. Second, he sets forth the condition of those carrying the goods: lioness, on account of ferocity; lion, on account of the presumption of daring; viper, on account of cruelty; flying basilisk, not that it has wings, but because it leaps into a man's face, on account of its swiftness in doing harm. Sophonias 3: Her princes are like lions. Third, the carrying away of goods, carrying. Fourth, the frustration of their labor, to a people, Psalm 59: vain is the salvation of man. Therefore I have cried out. Here he reproves in them the contempt of God: and first he shows how they despised the divine precept; in the second how they despised salutary counsel, because thus says. Concerning the first he sets forth three things: first, God's precept; second, the people's contempt, for the people; third, he threatens death, or the ruin of death, to those who despise, therefore thus says. Concerning the first he sets forth three things. First, the precept: therefore — namely because it is useless — be still, in your land. Jeremiah 14: Thus says the Lord to this people, who have loved to move their foot, and have not rested, and have not pleased the Lord. Second, he sets forth the confirmation of the precept. Now therefore, you Isaiah, go in, into the prophetic vision, or you Jeremiah, go in, into Egypt with the people, as is read in Jeremiah 43. Third, he assigns the fruit of the confirmation, and it shall be in that day. Exodus 17: Write this for a memorial. The people. Here he sets forth the contempt of the people: and first insofar as they despised God. Unto wrath, as regards the sin of transgression. Ezechiel 2: Be not exasperating, as the house of Israel is an exasperating house. Lying, as regards the sin of speech, because they promised Jeremiah obedience, which they were unwilling to keep, as is found in Jeremiah 42. Psalm 17: Strange children have lied to me. Unwilling, as regards the sin of omission. Proverbs 28: He who stops his ear against hearing the law, his prayer shall be execrable. Second, he sets forth the contempt of the prophets, who say to the seers, insofar as they forbade them their proper office. Amos 7: You who see, go, flee. Insofar as they were leading them to falsehood, speak. 3 Kings, last chapter: Behold, the words of the prophets all foretell good things to the king. Turn aside, insofar as they forbade the word of divine knowledge. Job 21: Who have said to God: We wish not the knowledge of your ways. Therefore thus says. Here he threatens them with (sudden) ruin, resuming the fault so that the punishment may appear more just: because. But he adjoins the punishment, there, therefore this shall be to you; signifying a sudden punishment by the likeness of a ruin, which lies hidden long in a wall, which at last suddenly falls, because suddenly: 1 Thessalonians 5: For when they shall say, peace and security; then sudden destruction shall come upon them. And he also shows the punishment to be strong, and it shall be broken, under the likeness of the breaking of a flask, of which no shard remains whole for anything of use, namely for carrying fire, and for drawing water. Above, chapter 24: With breaking shall the earth be broken. Note on that word, be still, that man ought first to rest from the act of sin. Above, chapter 1: Cease to do perversely, learn to do well. Second, from the course of wandering. Jeremiah 14: You shall say this to this people, who have loved to move their feet, and have not rested. Third, from immoderate desire. Below, chapter 57: the heart of the wicked is like a raging sea, which cannot rest. Fourth, from a presumptuous intellect. Ecclesiasticus 18: When a man has finished, then shall he begin. For thus says the Lord. Here he reproves in them the contempt of the divine counsel: and concerning this he sets forth three things. First, the counsel: if you return. Below, chapter 45: Be converted to me, and you shall be saved. Second, the contempt: and you said. Therefore you shall flee: this is the word of the Lord. Deuteronomy 2: We will go by one way. And we will ride upon swift ones: the voice of the rebellious people. Therefore swifter ones: the voice of the Lord. Lamentations 4: Our persecutors were swifter than the eagles of the sky. Third, he threatens ruin: a thousand — the Egyptians; one — a Chaldean. You shall all flee — you Jews; five — of the Chaldeans. Deuteronomy 32: How should one pursue after a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight? As a mast, as a sign for avoiding shipwreck. Above, chapter 6: It shall be for a show, like the turpentine tree, and like an oak that spreads its branches. Therefore he waits. Here he sets forth consolation: and concerning this he does two things. First he sets forth the purpose of having mercy; second he carries out the benefit of mercy, for the people. Concerning the first he sets forth three things. First, the purpose of having mercy in God, therefore he waits, not destroying you utterly. Hosea 3: You shall wait for me many days. Second, the judgment of the ungrateful: and therefore he shall be exalted; that is, he shall appear high in justice, punishing you who are ungrateful for his benefits. Above, chapter 5: The Lord of hosts shall be exalted in judgment. Third, the reward of the good, blessed are all. Luke 12: You like men who wait for their lord. For the people. Here he carries out the benefit of mercy: and first in their exaltation; second in the oppression of their enemies, behold the name. Concerning the first he sets forth two things. First, the removal of evils, against the captivity of exile. For the people, in the time of Zorobabel: or rather mystically, the whole. Psalm 124: He that dwells in Jerusalem shall not be moved forever. Against the anguish of sadness: weeping — earlier; you shall by no means weep — not forever, but until you are set free. Above, chapter 25: He shall take away the tear from every face. Against God's indignation, having mercy. Psalm 90: He shall call upon me, and I will hear him. Against poverty: and the Lord will give you. And the sense is: they shall be content with little food. Ecclesiasticus 29: The chief thing for man's life is bread and water. Or because in the return from Babylon they suffered want. Mystically, according to the Gloss. Second, he sets forth the bestowal of good things: hence, he will give. And first of spiritual things, as to chosen doctrine, describing the teacher: to fly away, to withdraw; the teacher — Esdras, whose doctrine they still use, or Christ; behind your back, like one fleeing when he is called back by one pursuing. Joel 2: The Lord has given you a teacher of justice. And he sets forth the doctrine: this is the way. Numbers 21: We will go by the king's highway. And also as to the due worship of God, and you shall pollute, that is, you shall reduce to common use. 4 Kings 23: He polluted the high places, and demolished them. The covering, all the ornament of the idol. Second, as to temporal goods: hence he says, go forth, namely from spiritual things to temporal, (O Isaiah or Jeremiah). And first he promises the fertility of the land, promising the cause: rain shall be given. Joel 2: He will cause the rain to come down to you. And the effect, as to the food of men. And bread of the grains. Genesis 49: Aser, his bread shall be fat. Psalm 147: He fills you with the fat of wheat. As to the pasture of herds: the lamb shall be fed, as to sheep; bulls, as to oxen; and in both he notes fruitfulness, setting down young ones. And the young of asses, as to the provender of beasts of burden; mash — barley cleared of chaff, which before they ate mixed together. Second, he promises abundance of waters, and there shall be. The Jews say these things are to be fulfilled literally at the end of the world — of many, of the Romans, according to them; which is fabulous. Or it can be a metaphorical expression: so that by water is signified the consolation which they had after the return from captivity and the destruction of Babylon. Or mystically, of the doctrine of Christ. Below, chapter 41: I will open rivers in the highest hills, and fountains in the midst of the plains. Third, the brightness of the sky, and the light of the sun shall be as the light of seven, that is, as much in one as now in seven, as it were sevenfold: or as it was in the first week of days. These things the Jews say fabulously, literally, in the time of golden Jerusalem. But it is better that it be referred to the future glory of the saints, after the renewal of the world. Or metaphorically and hyperbolically it may be referred to the state of the people. Psalm 146: Who heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their bruises. Note on that word, and bread of the grains, that the word of God is bread — first, narrow, on account of the difficulty of keeping it. Matthew 7: Narrow is the way that leads to life. Second, most abundant, on account of the usefulness of its fruit. Below, chapter 55: As the rain comes down from heaven, and drenches the earth, and it springs up, and does not return there anymore, so shall be the word that shall go forth from my mouth. Third, rich, on account of the sweetness of delight. Genesis 49: Aser, his bread shall be fat. Behold the name of the Lord. Here he consoles them from the punishment of their enemies: and concerning this he sets forth three things. First, the coming of the judge who punishes; second, the manner of the punishment, and he shall make heard; third, the place of the punishment, it is prepared. Concerning the first he sets forth three things. First, the coming: he comes, unto universal judgment; from afar, foretold long before by the prophets. Or: he comes unto the destruction of Sennacherib; from afar, from the height of his power. Or unto the destroying of the Babylonians, by the Medes coming from afar. Jeremiah 5: Behold I will bring upon you a nation from afar. The name of the Lord — the Son, as to the first exposition; or because it redounds to his own glory, as to the second and third. Second, he shows the zeal of the one who comes, setting forth wrath in the heart, by way of anthropopathy, burning fury. Fury is anger kindled. Now it is kindled either as to the vehemence of the desire for vengeance; and as to this he says, burning: or as to the quantity of the punishment; and as to this he says, heavy. Below, chapter 65: These were a smoke in my fury, a fire burning all the day. He also sets forth wrath in the mouth: his lips are filled with indignation, reproaching sins; devouring, by threatening torments. Above, chapter 11: With the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked. He also sets forth wrath in the deed: his spirit, that is, his indignation, even to the midst of the neck, that is, he shall bring it even unto destruction. Above, chapter 8: The overflowing fury shall pass through Judah. Third, he sets forth the effect of the indignation on the evil: the destruction of nations. To destroy the nations. Psalm 72: Lord, in your city you shall bring their image to nothing. And the cessation of tyrants, and a bridle of error. Job 30: His quiver, etc. He also sets forth the effect on the good, in the praise of the mouth: there shall be a canticle of solemnity: because at the three solemn feasts they went up to Jerusalem with gladness. Leviticus 23; below, chapter 33: Your eyes shall see the city of our solemnity. And in the gladness of the heart, in the joy of the heart. Below, chapter 51: joy and gladness, etc. Judith, last chapter: And the people of the Lord was joyful. And he shall make heard. Here he describes the manner of the punishment: and concerning this he does three things. First, he describes the manner of the punishment as to the act of the one punishing. Of his voice, by which he shall appear glorious; and the terror of his arm, by the likeness of one enraged, who threatens in these ways. Job 40: If you have an arm like God. And as to the instrument, and the flame of fire: because, literally, the Assyrians were burned up. And perhaps there was some storm. Or diverse punishments in the day of judgment are signified. Ecclesiasticus 30: fire, hail, etc. Psalm 148: Fire, hail, snow, ice, stormy winds. Second, he sets forth the infliction of the punishment, showing its horror, for at the voice; and the duration of the punishment, and the passage shall be founded, that is, made firm. Third, the exultation of the saints, with harps; in the chief battles, which are waged by divine power alone. Psalm 57: The just shall rejoice when he shall see the revenge. It is prepared. Here he describes the place of the punishment: and first its arrangement. Topheth, the valley of the son of Ennom, Gehenna, because fire was kept there for sacrifices, in stones from Tophet. It is the same valley as Gethsemani, in which the army of Sennacherib was destroyed. Or by it is signified Hell itself. Hence the Jews conjecture that Hell is there, because from two palm trees that are there, smoke is always sent forth. From yesterday, that is, from the beginning; or from the second day, according to the Jews, which had only yesterday: hence the day before yesterday. Concerning this valley it is found in Jeremiah 7 and 19. By the king, God. Above, chapter 5: Hell has enlarged its soul. Second, the diversity of punishments, the nourishment thereof. Wood — the wicked, or those of Sennacherib's army. Breath, that is, by will, metaphorically. Psalm 10: Fire, brimstone, and storms of winds, etc. Note on that word, behold the name of the Lord, that the Son of God is the name of the Father: first, by which he is made manifest. John 17: I have manifested your name to men. Second, by which he is honored. Matthew 6: Father, hallowed be your name. Third, by which he is invoked. John 16: Whatsoever you shall ask the Father in my name, he will give you. Again, on that word, he comes from afar, that he comes from afar, first, on account of the long expectation. Hebrews 11: All these died according to faith, not having received the promises, but beholding them afar off. Second, on account of the imperfection of our merits. Ephesians 2: Coming, he preached peace to you who were far off. Third, on account of the delay of time. Numbers 24: I shall see him, but not now; I shall behold him, but not near. Fourth, on account of the height of his majesty. Psalm 18: His going out is from the end of heaven, and his circuit even to the end thereof. Again, on that word, his tongue as fire, that charity is called fire: first because it illumines. Ecclesiasticus 2: You that fear God, love him, and your hearts shall be enlightened. Second, because it seethes. Canticle 2: Stay me up with flowers, compass me about with apples; because I languish with love. Third, because it turns all things to itself. Romans 8: We know that to them that love God, all things work together unto good. Fourth, because it makes ready. John 14: If anyone loves me, he will keep my word. Fifth, because it draws upward. Canticle 3: In my bed I sought him whom my soul loves; I sought him, and found him not. Note on that word, it is prepared, that Hell is wide: first, on account of the avidity of retaining, above, chapter 5: Hell has enlarged its soul; second, on account of the multitude of the damned, Matthew 7: Narrow is the way that leads to life; third, on account of the diversity of punishments, Psalm 148: fire, hail, snow, ice, etc., or Psalm 10: fire, brimstone and storms, etc.; fourth, on account of the eternity of the punishment, Matthew 25: Depart, you cursed, into everlasting fire.”

“Then shall he give thee rain of thy seed, that thou shalt sow the ground withal,.... Or, "rain to thy seed" (f); that is, when the seed is sown in the earth, the Lord will give the former rain, and cause it to take root, and spring up: and bread of the increase of the earth; the earth, being watered with rain, should give its increase of corn, of which bread should be made; so that there would be seed to the sower, and bread to the eater, as in Isa 55:10, and it shall be fat and plenteous; or "fat and fat"; very fat and rich, exceeding good bread, and plenty of it; and after the siege of the city by Sennacherib's army was broke up, and that was destroyed, for years following there was great fruitfulness in the land, as was foretold, Isa 37:30 and this may denote the great fruitfulness of the Gospel, and the excellency of the spiritual food of it, and of the blessings of grace that come by it: in that day shall thy cattle feed in large pastures; signifying that there should be pastures for cattle in the several parts of the country, and these large ones, where cattle should feed, and enjoy great plenty. This clause belongs to the next verse Isa 30:24, and should of right begin it. The Targum interprets it thus, "and the righteous shall be nourished with their cattle at that time, with the fat of tender and fat things;'' as the earth would be fruitful, the cattle would be well fed; and so there would be plenty of provision for man and beast. (f) "sementi tuae", Piscator; "semini tuo", V. L. Tigurine version.”

“rain of--rather, "for thy seed." Physical prosperity accompanies national piety; especially under the Old Testament. The early rain fell soon after the seed was sown in October or November; the latter rain in the spring, before the ripening of the corn. Both were needed for a good harvest. increase--the produce. fat--bread made of the best wheat flour (compare Gen 49:20; Deu 32:14).”

“The promise, after setting forth this act of penitence, rises higher and higher; it would not stop at bread in time of need. "And He gives rain to thy seed, with which thou sowest the land; and bread of the produce of the land, and it is full of sap and fat: in that day your flocks will feed in roomy pastures. And the oxen and the young asses, which work the land, salted mash will they eat, which is winnowed with the winnowing shovel and winnowing fork! And upon every high mountain, and every hill that rises high, there are springs, brooks in the day of the great massacre, when the towers fall." The blessing which the prophet depicts is the reverse of the day of judgment, and stands in the foreground when the judgment is past. The expression "in that day" fixes, as it were, the evening of the day of judgment, which is followed by the depicted morning of blessing. But the great mass of the Jewish nation would be first of all murdered in war; the towers must fall, i.e., (though without any figure, and merely as an exemplifying expression) all the bulwarks of self-confidence, self-help, and pride (Isa 2:15; Mic 5:9-10). In the place of the self-induced calamities of war, there would now come the God-given rich blessings of peace; and in the place of the proud towers, there would come fruitful heights abounding with water. The field would be cultivated again, and produce luxuriant crops of nutritious corn; so that not only the labour of man, but that of the animals also, would receive a rich reward. "Rain to thy seed:" this is the early rain commencing about the middle of October. אשׁר as an accusative, זרע being construed with a double accusative, as in Deu 22:9. מקניך might be the singular, so far as the form is concerned (see Isa 1:30; Isa 5:12; Isa 22:11); but, according to Exo 17:3, it must be taken as a plural, like מוריך. The 'ălâphı̄m are the oxen used in ploughing and threshing; the ‛ăyârı̄m, the asses used for carrying manure, soil, the sheaves, or the grain. Belı̄l châmı̄ts is a mash (composed of oats, barley, and vetches, or things of that kind) made more savoury with salt and sour vegetables; (Note: Such as Salsola kali, Salsola tragus, Salsola soda, and other plants of the family of the chenopodiaceae.) that is to say, a farrago (from bâlal, to mix; Comm. on Job, at Job 40:19-24). According to Wetzstein, it is ripe barley (unthreshed during the harvest and threshing time, and the grain itself for the rest of the year) mixed with salt or salt vegetables. In any case, belı̄l is to be understood as referring to the grain; this is evident from the relative clause, "which has been winnowed" (= mezōreh, Ewald, 169, d), or perhaps more correctly, "which he (one) winnows" (part. kal), the participle standing for the third person, with the subject contained within itself (Ewald, 200), i.e., not what was generally given from economy, viz., barley, etc., mixed with chopped straw (tibn), but pure grain (habb mahd, as they say at the present day). Rachath is a winnowing shovel, which is still used, according to Wetzstein, in Merj. Gedur, and Hauran; mizreh, on the other hand, is the winnowing fork with six prongs. Dainty food, such as was only given occasionally to the cattle, as something especially strengthening, would then be their regular food, and would be prepared in the most careful manner. "Who cannot see," exclaims Vitringa, "that this is to be taken spiritually?" He appeals to what Paul says in Co1 9:9, viz., that God does not trouble Himself about oxen. But Paul did not mean this in the same sense as Aristotle, who maintained that the minima were entirely excluded from the providence of God. What the Scriptures say concerning cattle, they do not say for the sake of the cattle, but for the sake of men; though it does not follow that the cattle are to be understood figuratively, as representing men. And this is the case here. What the prophet paints in this idyllic style, in colours furnished by the existing customs, (Note: Asses particularly, even those of a guest, are generally very much neglected. The host throws them a little grass, and then hangs up the fodder-sack full of chopped straw; and it is a sign of extraordinary hospitality of corn is given to the asses as well as to the horses. - Wetzstein.) is not indeed intended to be understood in the letter; and yet it is to be taken literally. In the age of glory, even on this side of eternity, a gigantic stride will be taken forward towards the glorification of universal nature, and towards the end of all those sighs which are so discernible now, more especially among domestic animals. The prophecy is therefore to be interpreted according to Rom 8:19.; from which we may clearly see that God does trouble Himself about the sighing of an ox or ass that is overburdened with severe toil, and sometimes left to starve.”