Behold, I will bring again the captivity of Jacob's tents The expression alludes to the ancient custom of dwelling in tents. This promise was, in some degree, fulfilled under Zerubbabel. And the city shall be builded upon her own heap Upon her ruins, which were cleared away, that new houses might be built. And the palace shall remain Rather, the palace shall be inhabited; after the manner thereof By
ארמון, here rendered palace, Dr. Waterland and some others understand the temple, and render the clause, The temple shall stand, or, abide after the manner thereof. Their children also, and their congregation, &c. Their church and commonwealth shall be restored to their former state. Or rather, His children and his congregation, as Blaney translates it; that is, Jacob's children and congregation, the pronouns both in this and the following verse being in the singular number. And their nobles shall be of themselves Hebrew, אדירו ממנו, literally, his prince, or, his mighty one, shall be of him. And his governor shall proceed from the midst of him Some understand this of Zerubbabel, who, by the permission of Cyrus, had the government over the Jews whom he led into Judea to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple. Others interpret it of the Messiah, who, they think, is plainly marked out by the two names of Prince, or Mighty One, and Governor, in this verse. Thus the Targum understands it. I will cause him to draw near, &c. Says the Lord; that is, “he shall have a near attendance upon me; for I will make him a priest as well as a king,” according to the prophecy in Psalms 110:4. For who is this that engaged his heart, &c. Who is there so entirely devoted to my service as the Messiah? The words in the original, כי מי הוא זה, who is this, &c., have the emphasis which cannot be expressed in another language, and are spoken by way of admiration. See Lowth. Blaney translates the verse, “And his prince shall be of his own race, and his governor shall go forth out of the midst of him; and I will draw him that he may come near unto me; for who is he that hath set his heart to draw near unto me? saith Jehovah.” Ye shall be my people, &c. You shall continually adhere to my religion and worship, and I will take you into my favour, and under my protection.