Smite thine hands together; either in token of amazement and sorrow, or else to signify what pleasure it should be to see justice executed on obstinate rebels; or rather, as Ezekiel 21:17, clap thy hands, to awaken and hearten the Babylonians on to the slaughter. Let the sword be doubled the third time: perhaps it is too curious to search out what particular calamities are pointed out by this trebled sword; whether,
1. Zedekiah's captivity with many of the princes. And,
2. Taking of the city.
3. Killing of Gedaliah and those with him: to be sure it speaks both the certainty of the thing, and the greatness of the affliction. Sword of the slain; wherewith many shall be slain. The great men; which were princes, and captains, and rulers. Entereth into their privy chambers; searcheth the most secret rooms, where they slew such as they found hidden in hope to escape.