πρὸς τὴν κολυμβήθραν] LXX. shortens the phtase here, but renders practically the same Heb. more fully in xxxvi. 2. The pool in question has not been certainly identified, but was probably on the W. or S. of the city; perhaps connected with Siloam (viii. 5, xxii. II).

The water supply was always a matter of difficulty when Jerusalem was threatened; not so much lest the city should run short, as that the besiegers might be too well supplied, or possibly obtain the control. Cf. 2 Kings xx. 20, 2 Chron. xxxii. 4.

4. Φύλαξαι τοῦ Mela-u] Heb. generally rendered ‘Take heed, and be ’ though the second verb can be taken as dependent, and so Cheyne, ‘Look that thou keep calm’: Vulg. vide αἱ

ξύλων] LXX. loses something of the picturesque force of the Hebrew.

Strong though Ephraim may seem to Judah, or to himself, he and his ally are near their end. Even Assyria is only to be dreaded, as the instrument of God, Who alone is to be feared (viii. 13). ’s besetting sin had long been self-confidence, without material or moral strength behind it. See chap. viii. 6 foll., ix. 9 14, xxviii. 1–4; Judg. viii. 1–3, xii. 1–6; Hosea v. 4 8, xiii. I, &c.