“Et induxi vos in terram Carmeli, ut comederetis fructum ejus et optima illius : et ingressi contaminastis terram meam, et hæreditatem meam posuistis in abominationem.”
“And I brought you into a plentiful country, to eat the fruit thereof and the goodness thereof; but when ye entered, ye defiled my land, and made mine heritage an abomination. a plentiful: or, the land of Carmel”
“I brought you into a fertile land to eat its fruit and bounty, but you came and defiled My land, and made My inheritance detestable.”
“I brought you into a plentiful land, to eat its fruit and its goodness; but when you entered, you defiled my land, and made my heritage an abomination.”
“And I brought you into a plentiful land, to eat the fruit thereof and the goodness thereof; but when ye entered, ye defiled my land, and made my heritage an abomination.”
Carmel. That is, a fruitful, plentiful land. (Challoner) (Worthington) — All Palestine is thus designated. (Menochius)
Verses 1-8 Those who begin well, but do not persevere, will justly be upbraided with their hopeful and promising beginnings. Those who desert religion, commonly oppose it more than those who never knew it. For this they could have no excuse. God's spiritual Israel must own their obligations to him for safe conduct through the wilderness of this world, so dangerous to the soul. Alas, that many, who once appeared devoted to the Lord, so live that their professions aggravate their crimes! Let us be careful that we do not lose in zeal and fervency, as we gain knowledge.