And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach.
Ver. 1. And in that day,] sc., That day of desolation. Isa 3:26
Seven women,] i.e., Many women. See the like Zechariah 8:23. The women had been grievously threatened, Isa 3:16-24 the men also for their sakes, Isa 3:25-26 and yet the prophet hath not done with them. So heinous is sin in either sex.
Shall take hold of one man.] Who themselves were wont to be sued unto by many men; and perhaps were not content with their own husbands when they had them alive, but were sick of a pleurisy.
We will eat our own bread, &c.] Whereas the husband giveth to his wife food, raiment, and due benevolence: these would crave the last only, which yet they could not do neither in this sort but by laying aside woman-like modesty.
Only let us be called by thy name.] As wives used to be by their husbands' names, both among the Jews and other nations, as Mary Cleophas, Mary Zebedee, &c. Solomon's wife was after his name called Shulamite; Son 6:13 and the Roman ladies were wont to say to their husbands, Ubi tu Caius, ibi ego Caia. Where you are Gaius there I am Gaia.
To take away our reproach.] Of want of husbands and children. See Psa 78:63 Jdg 11:36-37 Jeremiah 30:17 .